The Potential of Biotechnology for the Gulf Region and the Role of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

Abstract

Revolutionary advances in biotechnology will help developing countries (DCs) overcome shortages of food, shortfalls in energy and to control disease. How may these advances, all realized through R+D in developed countries, be harnessed to benefit Dca? In the main by strengthening the capability of DC researchers to perform advanced R+D and of their industrialists to capitalize on results. UNIDO has since 1981 acted to achieve these goals by:

• (i) promoting the establishment of an International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and its network of affiliated regional and national centres wherein DC-related R+D will be performed and where DC researchers will be trained;

• (ii) providing advisory services to governments formulating national policies and programmes in biotechnology;

• (iii) acting as a “technology scout” by catalyzing joint projects between R+D units in developed countries and DCs, likewise by promoting joint commercial ventures.

Since several Arab States belong to the ICGEB, its work programme may well include the application of genetic engineering techniques to manipulate both microorganisms and plants: the first to enhance oil recovery, to treat wastes and to inactivate pollutants; the second to develop hardy plants tolerant of hot and arid climates and able to grow on saline soils while utilizing brackish waters. The possibilities are endless.