Johor Draws Up Complete Ecosystem For Biotechnology Industry Players

JOHOR BAHARU, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Johor is drawing up a complete ecosystem for biotechnology industry players aimed at attracting more investors in the sector to the state.

The efforts to create the ecosystem framework for the biotecnology sector will be implemented by the Johor Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corporation (J-Biotech).

Its chief executive officer Wan Amir Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid said the ecosystem would cover several initiatives including the entry of technology, human capital development, investment collaboration, and empowering the involvement of entrepreneurs.

"We will focus on research and development sector in efforts to drive the biotechnoloogy industry, which started since 2006, to a higher level.

"Johor has the package sought by biotechnology industry players especially from overseas as the state has three foundations that are able to become its main strength including agriculture, healthcare and industries," he said in a media conference today.

He also said Johor was among the main food producers in Malaysia and owns large areas of coconut plantations, and efforts to value-add must be enhanced.

To add value to a product, technology is needed and from here J-Biotech will play the role to attract industry players, both local and overseas, which have the expertise to invest in Johor.

In efforts to attract investors in biotechnology industry to Johor, the corporation, Wan Amir Jeffery said, is organising Bio Johor 2014, a biotechnology conference and exhibition, at Persada International Convention Centre from Aug 25-27.

The biennial event organised by the state government and J-Biotech is expected to attract 5,000 visitors and is scheduled to be officiated the Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

To date, the organisers have received the participations from more than 70 organisations including local and overseas biotechnology-based companies, government agencies and private firms.

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Johor Draws Up Complete Ecosystem For Biotechnology Industry Players