Seminar on Creating a Positive Agricultural Biotechnology Investment Environment Concludes

Government officials and private sector representatives from APEC economies have concluded a seminar in Kuala Lumpur to examine policy and economic factors that impact the environment for investments in agricultural biotechnology.

Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dato' Sri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis, opened the seminar entitled "Creating a Positive Environment for Investment in Agricultural Biotechnology," which was presented in response to priorities identified in the APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Biotechnology.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Jamaludin shared insight into the unique way in which Malaysia has successfully initiated the development of an agricultural biotechnology sector. Dr. Jamaludin drew attention to the ways in which Malaysia's rich biodiversity is conserved and innovations focus upon regional market niches. He highlighted Malaysia's comprehensive national policy that addresses the entire agricultural biotechnology value chain. This ranges from research and development to the marketplace with particular attention placed on building partnerships and investing in human capacity.

Expert presentations throughout the two and a half day seminar reinforced the message that economies need to identify their own comparative advantages and formulate a commensurate national strategy to successfully develop an agricultural biotechnology sector.

Speakers, including Prof Paul Teng, Head of Education at Nanyang Technological University and Dr Tantono Subagyo of the Indonesian Intellectual Property Society, also concentrated on the need for long-term commitments to address basic elements of a successful investment environment.

These elements include:

Expert speakers concluded that a coordinated national policy addressing each of these elements is critical as economies look to build a successful agricultural biotechnology sector.

The seminar took place on December 7-9 and concluded with participants developing a list of priority goals and suggested approaches to enhance the investment environment for agricultural biotechnology among APEC members. These recommendations will be formally presented to the 2005 APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Biotechnology in Seoul, Korea on March 1-3 where further steps will be considered.