Agriculture Biotechnology in the Greater Mekong Subregion: An Assessment for the Asian Development Bank

Abstract

The objective of this assignment was to undertake a rapid assessment of the current status of biotechnology, and to identify and prioritize needs in promoting biotechnology cooperation in the countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) that includes Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, and Yunnan, PRC. This included proposing options of assistance packages for GMS countries. The process involved a desk review of status of biotechnology in GMS countries followed by in-country workshops in selected countries to identify and prioritize the needs related to agricultural biotechnology. These workshops involved key policy planners, representatives from private sector enterprises, and non-government organizations. In addition one-to-one discussions were held with key stakeholders in each country. Finally, an inter-country workshop was held with key stakeholders to discuss the overall scope and type of support that would benefit the GMS countries.