Biotechnology Expert Gregory Conko Speaks to Vietnamese Biologists and Researchers in Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City

Biotech expert Gregory Conko discusses GM crop issues with a researcher at the Institute of Tropical Biology in HCMC

On September 20-22, PAS HCMC hosted an annual EB-sponsored biotechnology outreach program featuring Gregory Conko, Director of Food Safety Policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Mr. Conko visited the Institute of Tropical Biology and the Biotech Center in HCMC, as well as Dalat University, Yersin University, and the Hung Thien company in Dalat.  He spoke to biologists, researchers, and students about the global status of biotechnology crop adoptions, including research on crops of particular interest in Vietnam. Mr. Conko encouraged his audiences to directly promote consumer understanding of the technology to gain support, thereby influencing public policymakers to endorse legislations favorable to the development of biotechnology. He gave region-specific examples, such as China’s current approval of 31 GM variations ready for commercialization. He estimated that China could approve GM rice for commercialization within a few years, which could have a big impact on Vietnam. His presentations included a discussion of trends and regulations. He discussed the general benefits of GM adoption, such as reduced use of pesticides and other chemicals, improved worker health, improved soil quality, greater yield gains, fuel savings, and overall economic gains. At each event, participants asked to keep in contact with him and with researchers in the U.S. since this topic continues to be of interest, particularly as policymakers are currently drafting the implementation guidelines for Vietnam’s Bio-safety Regulations.