The Star, Friday September 21, 2006

Taiwan bioindustries to pick Malaysia as gateway to Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwanese bioindustrial companies hope to use Malaysia as a springboard to other countries in Asia, said Industrial Technology Research Institute pharmaceutical researcher and manager Wey Yuh-Chyun. 

Wey, who is leading a 16-member bioindustrial delegation from Taiwan, said Malaysia was an important investment destination for Taiwanese businessmen. 

“Malaysia's economic and political stability provide a good working environment for foreign investors,” he told reporters at a trade mission briefing organised by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office on Tuesday. 

He added that Taiwan wanted to enhance its economic ties with Malaysia, its second largest Asean trading partner after Singapore, and share its experience in various business endeavours. 

With its prowess in the fields of biotechnology information and communications technology and agriculture, Taiwan was willing to transfer technology from these sectors to the Malaysian partners, Wey said. 

“Biotechnology has not only been identified as another area of economic growth but also as having a great influence on the quality of our life,” Wey said. 

He addd that the Taiwanese government had included biotechnology in its Challenge 2008, a six-year national development plan. 

To provide a beneficial environment for start-up companies and investments of the industry, the Taiwanese government has built up infrastructure such as transportation, telecommunications, biotechnology parks and other resources. 

The trade mission will be in Kuala Lumpur until Sept 25 before leaving for Thailand.  

Among highlights of the visit here will be a trade meeting and business to business matching today.  

For details on the trade mission, call 03-2168 8433, 03-2168 8722 or e-mail tecoid@tm.net.my