The GMS countries fully recognize the need for sustainable agricultural growth to maintain economic strength and reduce poverty in the region, where about 62 million or 25% of the total population live below the poverty line. The recent entry of some GMS countries in the World Trade Organization (WTO) has underscored the need for more effective use of advanced agricultural science and technology to ensure food security; promote agricultural diversification and commercialization; increase the access of GMS products to international markets through improvement of food safety and quality standards; and lead to higher production values through identification of innovative products and marketing.

A rapid assessment of the situation of agricultural biotechnology in GMS, carried out by ADB in November 2003, highlighted the urgent need to

increase understanding and knowledge of biotechnology issues in all GMS countries
ensure that appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks are in place
strengthen the technical capacity of relevant agencies and research institutes in agricultural science and technology

The assessment also emphasized the need to consider the existing inequalities in the level of technology and private enterprise development as well as in preparedness in terms of legal and regulatory frameworks in formulating assistance programs suitable for each country.

Objectives and Scope

The TA aims to strengthen capacity and regional cooperation for the safe use of advanced agricultural science and technology and for the related food safety in GMS countries, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural growth in the region. Outputs include the following:

increased basic awareness about advanced agricultural science and technology and related food safety issues among key stakeholders in GMS countries
strengthened technical capacity of the relevant agencies/institutes involved in advanced agricultural science and technology in GMS countries
enhanced policy and regulatory frameworks
strengthened regional cooperation on subregional strategies and country action plans among GMS countries on agricultural biotechnology, and related intellectual property rights and food safety issues

Methodology and Key Activities Implementation

Methodology and Key Activities

The TA will support the following main activities:

Basic awareness-raising activities about the benefits and risks in the use of agricultural biotechnology and agrochemicals through mass media and web sites
Advanced agricultural training programs for staff of relevant government agencies and research/academic institutions
Regular dialogue on common strategy and country action plans in coordination with the GMS Working Group on Agriculture on such topics as informal cross-border flow of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), enforcement of biosafety regulations and IPR protection
Support for enhanced policy and regulatory frameworks through workshops to be carried out in close consultation with WTO, UNEP and IARCs

Implementation Arrangements

ADB will be the Executing Agency. All GMS countries will designate their implementing agencies from the relevant ministries, research institutes, or academic institutions. The designated WGA coordinators in the GMS countries will be fully involved to ensure close coordination among stakeholder agencies. The respective GMS governments will establish a national task force/committee at TA inception to formulate or strengthen biosafety policy and regulatory frameworks, or use the existing national committee for this purpose.

At least three (3) regional tripartite review meetings involving GMS government representatives, TA specialist team, and ADB will be organized during the TA period. ADB will field TA review missions in conjunction with these tripartite review meetings.

Project Cost and Financing ($ 000)

Japan Special Fund	Sub-Total	Total
Consultants	736
Materials, Equipment, Training, Seminars, Workshops, Studies	163
Miscellaneous, Administration, Contingencies	101
Subtotal JSF		1,000.0
Government Financing		200.0

Total Project Cost		1,200.0

Date of Approval

17 December 2004

Status

Ongoing.

For detailed information on the project, write to the GMS Unit (ADB) at the following e mail address:

gms@adb.org