China's traditional strength in alternative medicine plus Malaysia's push in biotechnology presents a potent mix that can catapult bilateral trade now already reaching record levels to greater heights.

To exploit this, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz called on Malaysian biotechnology companies to join hands with research centres in China that specialised in developing agricultural and herb-based medicines.

“Combining the vast resources in Malaysia and the technical expertise from China can lead to substantial mutual benefits for both countries,” she told more than 700 participants at a seminar on “Malaysia-China Business Opportunities” at the China World Hotel here.