Canberra, March 30 (RHC) -- A Cuban bio-techynology and pharmaceutical delegation is in Australia exploring potential business opportunities.

The mission is headed by Dr. Mayda Mauri Pérez, vice-president of the BIOCUBAFARMA Enterprises, an umbrella organization rallying companies specializing in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development.

A Memorandum of Understanding is being considered for signing with the Australian Ministry of Health, reportedly involving the setting up of a bi-national Australia-Cuba working group for cooperation in biotechnology. Australia, like Cuba, regards biotechnology as a strategic sector for development.

The bi-national working group would identify projects of mutual interest in the field of biomedicine and promote their implementation, with a view to introducing breakthroughs into the public health system of the two countries.

In Canberra, the Australian capital, the visiting Cuban delegation was received by the Minister of Health Ken Wyatt. The group also toured the State of Victoria, where they met with the Minister of Commerce, Innovation and Technology, Phillipe Dalidakis.

The Cuban delegation is promoting also products developed by Cuban biotechnology in the agricultural field. A Cuba-developed vaccine against cattle ticks has reportedly generated interest among the Australian hosts, and will start being tested there in the coming months.