The latest is a clutch of five collaborations between global and local biotechnology partners at the BIO International Convention 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts, which began yesterday.

It includes the exchange of a collaboration instrument worth RM1.65bil between the Terengganu state government, BiotechCorp, the East Coast Economic Region Development Centre and GEVO Inc to facilitate investment in a Bio Polymer.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, in a statement, applauded BiotechCorp for its continued initiatives towards partnerships and collaborations on a global scale.

“This is more so in the light of the current economic times with its unique challenges and change.

“The valuable support shown by BiotechCorp in continuing to provide for the biotechnology industry in Malaysia, also marks the opportunities that still exist in the market,” he added.

Ongkili, who is leading the Malaysian delegation to the event, was speaking at the opening of the Malaysian Pavilion at the four-day BIO International Convention 2012.

BiotechCorp chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohd Nazlee Kamal said the partnerships announced magnified the value proposition that Malaysia offers.

“They are especially attractive in nurturing and driving global entrepreneurship and partnerships with foreign companies.” - Bernama