Laguna, The Philippines
February 12, 2008
Source: SEAMEO SEARCA
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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