EU and Mercosur in biotechnology deal
Date:01-07-2008
The five-nation Latin American trading bloc, the Mercosur, and the EU are to collaborate on agricultural biotechnology in South America. The customs unions will invest Euro 7.3 million ($10.7 million) in the programme, Biotecsur. Argentina is to co-ordinate Biotecsur, which covers four agbiotech areas: oilseeds, forestry, sheep and birds. The programme seeks to integrate research and development among the private, public and academic sectors in the region, covering Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela and Uruguay.
Biotecsur seeks to improve planning and co-ordination in the area as well as increase technology transfers and human resources in the sector. The Argentine Ministry of Science is "totally committed" to the programme. The EU ambassador to Argentina, Gustavo Martin Prada, says that the EU supports the Mercosur's initiatives in integrating their economies and policies, of which Biotecsur is a "major example".
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