The Star Online
KUALA LUMPUR: Cuba has been identified as a potentially major participant in
the Malaysian Biotechnology Project, or Bio-Valley, because of its advanced
biotechnology sector, especially in healthcare.
Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng hoped researchers and manufacturers from the Caribbean nation would relocate themselves in the Bio-Valley to carry out research, product development and technology transfer.
“Cuba’s participation will not only serve Malaysia, but the Asean market very well,” he said after witnessing the signing of a joint venture agreement between Bioven Holdings Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian company, and Heber Biotec S.A., the commercial arm of the Cuban Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
“Another advantage is that Cuba’s drug registration process is also comparable to Malaysia’s.
“As we are satisfied that the regulatory controls are of equivalent standards, we are much more confident to reassess the products which are brought in,” Chua said.
On an unrelated matter, Chua denied a claim made by the Bumiputra Medical and Laboratory Equipment Suppliers Association that bumiputra companies were not given opportunities to supply equipment to government hospitals and healthcare centres.
“I regret that such a statement which is entirely baseless and plays on racial sentiments has been made,” he said.
Chua said Pharmaniaga Bhd, a bumiputra company, was the ministry’s major supplier of drugs and equipment.