CHILE BIOTECHNOLOGY FORUM CONCLUDES

CHILE BIOTECHNOLOGY FORUM CONCLUDES

(Reissued as received.)

CONCEPCIÓN (CHILE), 5 March (UNIDO) -- Internationally recognized experts, leading scientists and high-level delegations from more than 80 countries, as well as representatives from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, industry and the media attended the four-day Global Biotechnology Forum, which concluded today.  The over 1,400 participants assessed the challenges lying ahead in the field of biotechnology in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

The forum examined the role of biotechnology in these countries and especially in meeting the needs of the poor and improving their quality of life, as well as its impacts on environment, trade, and public perception.  A number of key issues affecting the development of biotechnology in the developing world were identified:  inadequate scientific, technical and research capabilities, the absence of entrepreneurial skills and of public investment in this field, the presence of intellectual property barriers, different biosafety regulations and difficult market access.

The meeting opened a dialogue meant to develop proposals, initiatives and solutions for action, such as:  the establishment of a multi-stakeholder forum for informed dialogue on biotechnology and its benefits for the developing world, the creation of a network and database on biotechnology activities in developing countries and those with economies in transition, including global market and technology information for partnership facilitation, enhancement of capacity-building activities, and the assessment of intellectual property legislation on biotechnology.

In his closing address, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) Director-General, Carlos Magariños, also stressed the need to utilize the expertise, skills and activities that the United Nations and other international organizations have in the field of biotechnology, through greater interagency collaboration.

For further information, please visit http://www.gbf2004.cl and http://binas.unido.org/global_forum/ or contact:  Cristina Stricker, UNIDO Information Officer, e-mail:  c.stricker@unido.org mail, tel.:  +43-1-260 26 3034.

* *** *