Malaysia, Myanmar Keen On Collaboration In Science And Technology - Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Myanmar are eyeing the possibility of collaborating and sharing expertise in research and development in information and communications technology (ICT), biotechnology and industrial technology. The matter was discussed at a meeting between Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Ongkili and Myanmar's Science and Technology Minister U Aye Myint at the country's administrative capital, Nay Pyi Taw, Thursday. The meeting was part of the April 25-28 trade mission led by Ongkili to promote the Malaysian ICT, biotechnology and renewable energy sectors to Myanmar. Ongkili said the Myanmar government was aggressively liberalising trade sectors and increasing engagements, thus opening up opportunities to regional economies including Malaysia. "These efforts are attracting growing international audience following political changes and transformation taking place internally," said the ministry in a statement. Ongkili said the trade mission provided a platform for Malaysian science and technology companies to continuously engage Myanmar's private sector. The expansion of the cities, economic zones, the business community and the consumer market in Myanmar would create demand for a more sophisticated range of technological products and services, he said. "Such demands can be fulfilled by participating Malaysian companies," added Ongkili, who is heading a 54-member delegation comprising government and private sector officials. A business and a networking session will be held in Yangon tomorrow, with 30 Myanmar companies expected to participate. -- BERNAMA