Experts Convene Forum to Harmonize Plant Biotechnology Regulations in Southeast Asia

Manila, Philippines, February 10, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Plant biotechnology regulators and decision-makers from all over Southeast Asia will convene for a learning forum on Rationalizing and Harmonizing Plant Biotechnology Regulations in Southeast Asia (SEA) in Bangkok, Thailand. The learning forum will be held on 4-7 March 2008 at Miracle Grand Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

The forum will serve as an avenue for participants to exchange experiences and insights in formulating policies and regulations on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Representatives from Indonesia, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines will share the current status of plant biotechnology with emphasis on regulation in their respective countries. Part of the activities is the preparation of regional recommendations and country-specific action plans, which the participants will present at the end of the forum. Through these activities, it is hoped that the participants could draw up regional and national recommendations and action plans toward science-based and complementary regulation frameworks for plant biotechnology in SEA.

The forum will be enriched with presentations by international experts in plant biotechnology and biosafety on current research findings, analyses, recommendations, and opinions relevant to plant biotechnology regulations. Likewise, current issues in plant biotechnology significant to the region, the importance of GMO regulation, and lessons from countries currently growing GMOs will be discussed. A visit to Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West Seed International Limited and Kasetsart University will further enable the participants to observe first-hand some biotechnology research initiatives in Thailand.

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Program for Biosafety Systems in Southeast Asia (PBS SEA), in collaboration with the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), are organizing the said forum. Inquiries may be directed to forum@agri.searca.org.

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