A new biotechnology strategy for China is expected to provide one million additional jobs in the sector between now and 2015.

According to China Daily, officials in the country have drawn up plans to drive the sector forward over the coming years, with two trillion yuan allocated to science and technology development over the next five years.

Liu Yandong, a Chinese state councilor, predicted: "The development priorities of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) - biopharmacy, bio-engineering, bio-agriculture and biomanufacturing - will bring benefits to Chinese people."

Speaking at the 2011 International Conference for Bio-economy in Tianjin, Ms Liu added that biotechnology will be used in a range of ways, including disease control, green building and environmental management.

In related news, China and the UK have signed a series of trade pacts in London that are aimed at increasing imports and exports between the two countries, potentially generating new jobs in both nations.

Posted by Kate Griffin