September 19, 2000
THE SAIGON TIMES DAILY
Regulations for genetically modified products likely

Asia Intelligence Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : (SGT-HCMC)

A draft statute on issues related to the contentious genetically
modified (GM) products has been submitted to the Government and is
expected to be passed this year, said an authoritative source.

Tran Duy Quy, head of the Agricultural Genetic Institute, which takes
part in the formulation of the statute, said it was drawn up with great
caution and prudent consideration.

"The draft covers all economic and scientific issues related to GM
products, even the controversial food security problem," Quy told the
Daily on the sidelines of a seminar on biological technology in HCMC
last week.

He said the draft was devised in reference to related seminars held over
the past years, adding it puts forth many issues which have drawn public
concern in recent times, including goods labeling for imported GM
products.

The statute advocates for genetic technology, an important domain of
biotechnology, but raises caution for the use of GM food. "We can wear a
shirt made from GM materials but will not accept GM food, even animal
feed," he said.

He said the statute also covered regulations on managing, doing
researches on and registering for GM products.