REPORT ON BIOSAFETY WORKSHOP IN EGYPT

UNCLAS CAIRO 005872

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR USDA/FAS/ICD/FID/SBEASLEY, OA/BIG/ARUDE, FAA/RHAGER
DEPT FOR EP/MSPIRNAK, NEA/ELA

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: EAGR ETRD BEXP USTR TBIO TSPL EG
SUBJECT: REPORT ON BIOSAFETY WORKSHOP IN EGYPT

Ref: FAS 679567; FAS 679988


1. SUMMARY: The Office of Agricultural Affairs hosted a
?Best International Practices for Developing Biosafety
Regulatory Systems? workshop in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt,
from September 5-6, 2006. Local and international
biosafety experts made presentations on the benefits of
agriculture biotechnology, experiences under various
regulatory regimes, and factors to consider when
developing a regulatory system. Egyptian participants
were from the Ministries of Agriculture, Health,
Environment, Foreign Affairs, and Trade and Industry.
Private sector stakeholders also attended. END SUMMARY.


2. Each 45 minute round-table session was followed by a
discussion. Topics included: 1) Biotechnology?s
potential benefits for Egyptian agriculture; 2) Status of
Egypt?s biotechnology regulatory framework; 3)
Implementing an effective biosafety regulatory framework;
4) The biosafety protocol and the WTO; 5) Regulatory
regime cases studies/experiences from South Africa,
Spain, and the Philippines; and 6) Moving products to
commercialization.


3. Dr. Hanieya El-Itribi, Director of Egypt?s
Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute
(AGERI),who spoke on the benefits of biotechnogy, noted
that several challenges confront Egypt?s agriculture
sector: limited arable land, erosion, loss of soil
fertility, and an increasing population. However, she
pointed out, all these could be mitigated through the
application of modern biotechnology. (NOTE: Egypt is a
pioneer in the research and development of biotech, but
has yet to harness this capability to meet its food
needs).


4. Dr. Osama El Tayeb, Consultant to the Ministry of
Environment and drafter of Egypt?s pending biotechnology
regulation bill, outlined the contents of Egypt?s current
and pending regulations. He stressed that Egypt?s
regulations would be consistent with the Biosafety
Protocol, would consider socio-economic implications of
biotechnology, and would incorporate a science-based risk
analysis approach. The Ministry of Justice is currently
reviewing this draft bill, and Parliament may begin
deliberations on it as early as November 2006.


5. The workshop?s other presenters were international
experts and spoke on the areas detailed above. Workshop
attendees praised speakers for their extensive knowledge
of the subject matter and practical approach in relaying
information. Several participants commented to FAS that
they were impressed at the ease with which speakers were
able grasp all aspects of the issues. They also added
that the workshop made them better equipped to advocate
on behalf of advancement of this technology.


6. During break-out sessions, groups with representatives
from each of the ministries established next steps for
future activities. The compilation of those ideas and
suggestions will guide the planning and organization of
events over the next 12 months. Suggestions included: 1)
a ministerial-level workshop to clarify roles and
responsibilities of the various government entities under
the draft biosafety bill; 2) a workshop on methods for
biosafety communication and outreach; 3) a workshop
designed to create a strategy for commercializing
locally-developed agriculture biotechnology products.


7. The USAID Mission in Cairo funded the workshop. It
was part of a series of activities over the next year to
extend capacity building to relevant government entities
involved in regulating agricultural biotechnology
application in Egypt.


8. COMMENT: Overall, the workshop was a success in that
it brought all the major players in Egypt face-to-face
for the first time to discuss the importance of advancing
this technology for the sake of Egypt?s farmers.
Participants committed to remain engaged on the issue and
to cooperate to ensure the successful application of
biotechnology in Egypt. Furthermore, the results of the
break-out sessions provide a road-map for future
activities. END COMMENT.

RICCIARDONE