A Filipino expert on biotechnology recently warned the agricultural industry to continue developing biotechnology in the country as our Asian neighbours are fast catching up with the technology.

Dr. Benigno Peczon, a Ph.D. graduate from Purdue University and the current President of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), said that the Thai government is gearing up on its biotechnology initiatives and is determined to lead the region in this field.

He warned that if no steps will be undertaken by the Philippines concerning biotechnology, we "will again be left behind in this field in the same manner that we were overtaken by our neighbouring countries in rice research". The country used to lead in rice research and development in the 1960's.

The Philippines, being the first country in Asia to commercially plant biotechnology modified food crops, is currently ahead in the field of agricultural biotechnology.

Peczon explained that with the necessary strides being done by Thailand, to venture into a more aggressive biotech policy, "they could well overtake the Philippines in the next 10 years."

Peczon also said that "Thailand, being 90 percent hybridized in corn, compared to the Philippines 20% has a much larger potential in increasing its biotech corn adoption rate."

Earlier, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin issued a call on the development of agricultural biotechnology in Thailand.

In an interview, he said that "in order for the country to catch up with world economy and biotechnology development, investments in the Biotechnology Center should be strengthened".

The Thai government has investments in the National Center for Biotechnology (BIOTECH), the development of the National Biotechnology Policy, the recent completion of the comprehensive Life Sciences Study under the Thai Life Sciences Initiative (LSI), and the establishment of the Thailand Life Science Center of Excellence.

Deputy Prime Minister Suwit Khunkiti also urged the government "to push the agricultural sector forward" with the promotion of business and research in biotechnology and make Thailand a leader in the field in Southeast Asia.

He issued the call following the drafting of the National Biotechnology Policy of Thailand for 2004-2011.

The Biotechnology Policy aims to promote biotechnology investments in the country with the building and development of Thailand's Biotechnology Park. It also intends to make Thailand the "World Kitchen" as well as "Asia Health Care Business Center" through biotechnology.