Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin arrived in Washington Sunday to begin a four-day working visit to the United States capital where, among others, he will attend the world's largest biotechnology gathering and take charge of promoting Malaysia's biotechnology-related endeavours.

At the BIO International Convention, which will be held at the Walter E Washington convention centre, Muhyiddin is scheduled to officiate an exhibition and attend a curtain-raiser event for BioMalaysia 2011 and the 2011 Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy.

Muhyiddin is also scheduled to witness the signing of several memorandums pertaining to biotechnology-related industries and meet key biotechnology personalities.

The BIO International Convention attracts movers and shakers in biotechnology, offers key networking and partnership opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry.

Malaysia, via the biotechnology industry facilitator agency Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp), is an avid participant of the BIO International Convention.

This year is the seventh time BiotechCorp is participating in the annual event.

Muhyiddin and his wife, Norainee Abdul Rahman, as well as his entourage arrived at about 3pm (3am Kuala Lumpur time) at the Washington Dulles international airport where they were received by Malaysian ambassador to the United States Jamaludin Jarjis.

The couple and the entourage were taken to the Four Seasons Hotel where they would be staying during the visit.

Muhyiddin is also scheduled to attend a roundtable luncheon hosted by the US-Asean Business Council and visit the University of Maryland, College Park.

He is also scheduled to meet with several US senior officials over breakfast.  

- Bernama