A workshop on biotechnology was held in Ho Chi Minh City on Sept. 21 by the HCMC Biotechnology Centre and the US Embassy in Vietnam.

The workshop focused on a series of topics relating to the enhancement of Vietnam’s potential to turn the country into one of the world’s leading nations in biotechnology and agricultural trade, genetic agriculture, the potential of maize, and GMO food trademark labels.

US Consul General in HCMC Ken Fairfax and Biotechnology Centre Director Duong Quang Xo said that Vietnam is a developed agricultural country, which has transformed itself from a rice importer into the world’s second largest rice exporter. It is well known for its Robusta coffee, peppers, cashew nuts and other farm produce. Biotechnology in agriculture would benefit the country in terms of cost reduction, environmental protection, and protection of consumer health.

Vietnam is ranked among the world’s leading countries in consumption of farm produce from biotechnology and agricultural production, as well as technology transfer, they said./.