The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Asian Biotech Association launched

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 11, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Asian Biotech Association launched

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 10. The International BioAsia 2005 conference got off to a start here with the launch of the Federation of Asian Biotech Association (FABA) and scientists focussing on the need for biotechnology to fulfil social and economic aspirations.

M.K.Bhan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, drew attention to three basic policy requirements--respect for intellectual property rights, science-based regulations, and a strategy to make biotechnology area innovative.

Addressing delegates drawn from across India and 30 other countries here on Thursday, Dr.Bhan called for a re-look at the framework of research relations between academia and industry, and re-engineering of institutional framework. We are taking a serious re-look at education and science infrastructure, he said, promising initiatives in support of innovative research. Serious thought was being given to Government investing in small and medium companies before `proof of concept,' he said.

Clear objective

Anwar Hussain, Chairman, National Commission of Biotechnology of Pakistan, and founder president of FABA, said the eight-member federation's objective was to promote and safeguard the interest of biotechnology as a science, encourage entrepreneurship, and academia, and collaboration with industry.

National chapters were facilitated in Iran, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Efforts are on to extend membership and a panel of eminent scientists would be formed. FABA will have a 25-member managing committee with a secretariat in Hyderabad. B.S.Bajaj, Chairman, All India Biotech Association, southern chapter, will be its first secretary general, he announced.

Expansion plans

K.V.Rao, Principal Secretary, Industries, read a message from the Chief Minister, Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy (who was to inaugurate the event). Dr.Reddy said the Government was identifying 1,000 acres for expansion of Genome Valley, and phase III of Knowledge Park would start shortly. An animal resource centre would be developed near the biotech park, and a 218 acre-marine park at Vizag.

N.K.Ganguly, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said the Government allocated Rs.20 crores for a breeding stock project coming up near Mumbai.

D.Balasubmraniam, Chairman, A.P.State Biotech Advisory Committee, said 45 per cent of the second phase of the biotech park was also taken up.

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