Agricultural Biotechnology: Biotech boost does not mean other industries left by the wayside, says Najib
The Star
Foo Yee Ping
May 8, 2007
Here’s the excerpt of an article published by The Star on agricultural biotechnology…
BOSTON: Malaysia is equally committed to pushing for other industries in spite of its boost to promote biotechnology, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
“We are not putting all our eggs into one basket,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
For example, he said ICT was also a source of wealth for the country, which was why the Government was not neglecting it.
Addressing Malaysian students and delegates of the BIO International Convention here on Sunday, Najib stressed on the importance of biotechnology as “it is the future; it is about creating wealth for the country and uplifting the quality of life for Malaysians.”
He said the 350-member Malaysian delegation to the annual BIO International Convention was the third largest contingent this year outside of North America.
“Four years ago, there were only about 50 Malaysian participants.”
Biotechnology, he said, was so pervasive that Malaysia could not afford to miss out on the exciting developments in the sector.
“We are on the right track but we can’t do it alone. That is why we want to be part of the convention,” he said.
Malaysia would be supportive of ventures such as research on the substitute for blood, he said, adding that two companies had told him that such a prospect was getting nearer….
Full article at The Star.
