POST PROMOTES BIOTECH WHILE GVN CONSIDERS MORE RESTRICTIVE

UNCLAS HANOI 001050 SIPDIS STATE TO EEB/TPP/ABT HHS/OSSI/DSI PASS TO OGHA (WSTEIGER/LVALDEZ/CHICKEY) AND FDA (MPLAISER/RCAMPBELL/BCOREY) USTR FOR DBISBEE AND MCLARKSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO EAGR ETRD EAID ECON VM SUBJECT: POST PROMOTES BIOTECH WHILE GVN CONSIDERS MORE RESTRICTIVE BIOTECH LAWS ¶1. SUMMARY: Ambassador sent Minister-Chairman of the Office of Government Phuc a letter on September 28 requesting that the Government of Vietnam (GVN) remove provisions in current draft food and biosafety legislation that require mandatory labeling of all genetically modified food and agricultural products. Meanwhile, Post continued outreach to Vietnamese biotech stakeholders on development of biotech agriculture by sponsoring a series of conferences throughout the country September 21-25. "Vietnam Biotech II: Growing the Future" brought together 450 participants, including Vietnamese scientists, policymakers, academics, journalists, and agribusinesses, to discuss how best to develop commercialized biotech agriculture. Conference presenters urged the GVN not to adopt mandatory labeling. END SUMMARY. CRITICAL TIME FOR VIETNAM BIOTECH -------------- ¶2. The Post-sponsored conference, "Vietnam Biotech II: Growing the Future," took place soon after the release of the most recent version of draft food and biosafety legislation requiring mandatory labeling of all food and agricultural products that contain "genetically modified organisms" (GMOs). Ambassador sent a letter September 28 to Minister-Chairman of the Office of Government Phuc raising our concerns with this draft legislation and requesting a meeting to follow up. ¶3. The conference aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of biotechnology for Vietnam and encourage development of the sector, thereby advancing US biotech policies in the region. As a leading agricultural producer and exporter, Vietnam has the potential to be among the leaders in biotechnology. "Vietnam Biotech II: Growing the Future" provided a rare public forum for Vietnamese scientists and policy makers who support biotech agriculture to exchange views, and respond to concerns raised by the private and public sector. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan, National Assembly Member, said publicly that the program was very useful for the promotion of biotechnology in Vietnam and thanked the USG for its support. ¶4. Over 450 people participated in the four events. Biotech experts discussed how biotechnology can be safely and effectively implemented, as well as the negative impact of mandatory labeling, including potential costs to producers and consumers. Over 30 media representatives attended the four conferences, providing extensive print, internet, and Vietnam TV coverage. Television interviews with the program speakers were aired for several days after the events. As part of the outreach activities, Mission Vietnam is finalizing a three part television documentary on the advantages of biotechnology for Vietnam to be aired on Vietnam's science channel. In addition, Mission Vietnam posted coverage on the Embassy website. ¶5. COMMENT: This biotech conference is another example of the considerable support the USG has provided to assist the GVN in modernizing its food and food safety regimes, including support for the drafting of new food safety and biosafety laws. Post is disappointed that current draft legislation requires mandatory labeling, and will continue to raise our concerns with the GVN. We will keep Washington apprised of any new developments. END COMMENT. Michalak