The 7th APEC Workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology
1-9 December 2003, Beijing, China

Invitation to the seventh APEC workshop on agricultural biotechnology

1-9 December 2003

Beijing, China

BACKGROUND

The Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group (ATCWG) was formed as APEC ATC Experts Group in October 1996 to serve as a forum for member economies to enhance the capacity of agriculture and related industries.  Ministers at APEC Ministerial Meetings have recognized the important contribution biotechnology can make in expanding agricultural production, and have affirmed the importance of transparent and science based approaches to the introduction and use of biotechnology products.

The Sub-Group on Research, Development and Extension of Agricultural Biotechnology (RDEAB) has been tasked by Ministers to exchange information on the new technology and capacity building.  Such work should take into account consumers' interest in food safety and environmental quality while facilitating the realization of the potential benefits of biotechnology.

The seventh APEC workshop on agricultural biotechnology is to be held on 1-9 December in Beijing, China.  The workshop will consists of two sessions:

l         Session A: 1-5 December 2003

APEC Workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology

l         Session B: 7-9 December 2003

APEC Training Workshop on Biosafety