KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's efforts in researching and producing human vaccines has been given a boost on Wednesday with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Chinese company CanSino Biologics and two Malaysian partners.
The tripartite MOU will see CanSino formalize its relationship with Malaysian pharmaceutical company Solution Biologics and the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia and strengthen the existing relationship between the parties at a strategic and working level.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Adham Baba, who witnessed the signing, said the MOU would facilitate joint research programs for the development of human vaccines, exchange of researchers and technical experts, technology and knowledge transfer and biomanufacturing and commercialization of vaccine products for Malaysia and international markets.
Adham also noted the close cooperation between Malaysia and China in facing the COVID-19 pandemic, with the two countries sharing expertise in scientific and technological capabilities related to the advancement of human vaccine development.
"With this cooperation, I am optimistic that today's event is a hallmark for both Malaysia and China to strengthen the existing cooperation and we are looking forward to exploring the new possibilities as well as potential collaborative efforts that can complement areas of mutual interest between the two countries," he said.
Minister of the Chinese embassy in Malaysia Tang Rui noted that China and Malaysia signed an agreement on cooperation in vaccine development and accessibility on Nov. 18, 2020, followed by an agreement signed in December 2021 to build a more solid China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership in the post-pandemic era.
"Vaccine research and development cooperation has been put at the forefront of our cooperation. The Chinese government attaches great importance to China-Malaysia vaccine research and development cooperation, and promotes the cooperation of enterprises and scientific research institutions of both countries. All efforts lead to today's substantial progress," he said.
For his part, CanSino Biologics chief executive officer Yu Xuefeng said the close relations between the two countries have made such cooperation possible while thanking the Malaysian side for their efforts in ensuring a conducive environment.
"Thanks to the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and China that keeps reaching new heights, Malaysia has always been one of our most important strategic markets. We appreciate that the Malaysian government constantly provides an inclusive environment and efficient service to innovative enterprises like us," he said. ■