PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL
MAIN PAGE | EVENTS & PROGRAMS | 2000 | BIOTECH

Main Page Program Photos Presentations Executive Summary Biotechnology: Roadmap to the Future PBEC Biotechnology Meeting Calls for Communication of Biotechnology Benefits, Sharing of Best Practices, and Commitment to WTO Science and Rules-Based Approach to Trade On March 16-17, the PBEC Working Committee on Food Products, in cooperation with the PECC Food & Agricultural Forum and the APEC Study Centeres Consortium, hosted Biotechnology: Roadmap to the Future, a working conference on biotechnology in the Pacific Basin. The purpose of the two-day session was to develop a roadmap and guidelines for each of the 20 PBEC member economies throughout the Pacific Basin to use in addressing biotechnology issues. Conference recommendations have been presented to governments throughout the region and to APEC, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), APEC Ministers, and the WTO. The conference focused on separating the myths from the facts of food biotechnology. Leading experts spoke on the current state of scientific and economic analysis and how biotechnology impacts on various stages of the food chain, from producers to consumers. Key conference outcomes and recommendations include: Recognition that biotechnology is an important tool to achieve regional food security in a safe manner; A recommendation that governments in the region seek to adopt regulatory structures to ensure food safety that are consistent with WTO regulations, and that make determinations on the safety of food solely on the product itself; and A recommendation that APEC and governments in the region promote biotechnology education and communication of the benefits of biotechnology. Conference participants included executives from major food companies in the region and leading scientists expert in technology. Participants formed working groups to examine the following issues: food safety and regulatory issues; consumer benefits, perception, and education; environmental protection, and benefits to producers. Outcomes of these working groups included mission statements, action plans, time tables, and tactics and resources to achieve working group goals. Elements of the conference roadmap have been finalized and are available online, as is the Executive Summary of the conference proceedings.