BiotechCorp To Drive Initiatives To Strengthen Rural Bioeconomy In Johor

JOHOR BAHARU, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Biotechnology Corp Sdn Bhd (BiotechCorp) has announced four key initiatives under the Bioeconomy Community Development Programme at Bio Johor 2014 Conference & Exhibition here today.

The collaboration proposals were signed by BiotechCorp, Johor Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corp (J-Biotech) and Koperasi Pemuafakatan Kota Tinggi involving four bio-based companies on Bioeconomy Community Development projects.

The companies are PureCircle Sdn Bhd (to develop stevia plantation); The Holstein Milk Co Sdn Bhd (to develop dairy farm); BioAlpha (Johor Herbal) Sdn Bhd (to develop herbs farm); and, Flora Hive Enterprise Sdn Bhd (to develop honeybee farm).

These would provide opportunities for economic activities though adoption of bio-based technologies as well as developing complete bioeconomy production chain from production of raw materials to processing and manufacturing of final products for the market.

BiotechCorp's chief executive officer, Datuk Dr Nazlee Kamal, said the company has received strong support from Johor state government to drive the bioeconomy initiatives that would engage the society and increase the state's economic growth.

"BiotechCorp is working closely with the state through its biotechnology development arm, J-Biotech, which is committed to build thriving bio-based industry and to increase the state's economic productivity through bioeconomy.

"With the new commercial opportunities in bioeconomy and the Community Development Programme, Johor is poised to contribute over RM100 million to the gross national income by 2020," he said.

Mohd Nazlee said Johor has 21 BioNexus companies with investment of close to RM250 million todate.

BiotechCorp's subsidiary, BioXCell, has also set up a biotechnology park in Iskandar Malaysia and has attracted investment from multinational companies such as Biocon, GlycosBio and Stelis Biopharma with a total investment close to RM1.5 billion, thus strengthening the state's position as an emerging biotechnology hub.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who officiated the event, also witnessed the signing of the collaboration proposals.

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BiotechCorp To Drive Initiatives To Strengthen Rural Bioeconomy In Johor