Malaysians will be used in clinical trials for Cuban vaccines and pharmaceuticals as part of an agreement to boost bilateral trade, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said today.

Najib was speaking to reporters after talks with visiting Cuban number-two official Raul Castro ( right ), who is the designated successor to older brother President Fidel Castro.

"Cuba's strength lies in the production of vaccines and pharmaceuticals," he said. "These products have to be tested. Malaysia is probably one of the best in terms of a testbed. On top of that, we have the capability to ensure global standards are met."

Malaysia, with its multiracial and diverse population was "highly suitable" for Cuba's clinical trials for vaccines and pharmaceutical products while it also had the "expertise to ensure that the clinical trials fulfilled global standards," Najib said.

The use of Malaysians for clinical trials was part of a deal with Cuba involving procurement, manufacturing and research of vaccines and pharmaceutical products, Najib said, adding that the two countries would continue cooperation in biotechnology research and development.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Cuba totalled RM7 million last year.

Castro has already visited China and is due to leave Malaysia tomorrow for Vietnam and then Laos.