An international workshop to highlight potential benefits of biotechnology both in urban and rural settings will start at Comstech secretariat here from Monday.
The three-day workshop is part of $445,000 agreement between Comstech and Islamic Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organisation (Isesco) to support planned activities during 2007 and 2008 for the promotion of science and technology in the OIC region.
An official at OIC standing committee on scientific and technological co-operation (Comstech) told APP here on Sunday biotechnology has been identified as one of the key sector for socio-economic development by the OIC states but there are much more opportunities to explore.
He said participants from Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan will highlight their researches, approaches and propose strategies to increase the awareness of biotechnology during the workshop titled - Innovative Aspects of Biotechnology and its Better Awareness and Dissemination.
The official said the policy makers of the biotechnology in the OIC region need to garner more support from their governments and enhance the scope of visible gains, adding that in order to be more self-sustainable and to be more salient in the eyes of potential donors, OIC states need a strong mission, direction and implementing strategies.
He said it is, therefore, important to share aspirations, ideas and strategies of the participants of the workshop to ensure that all the stakeholders understand, adapt, appreciate and support promotion of biotechnology and its innovative applications in the fields of agriculture, pharmaceutical, livestock, and aquatic resources. The participants will be engaged in live discussions, carry out reporting on biotechnology as well undertake field tours to give this workshop a comprehensive look.