Biotechnology and Biosafety Workshop in Panama

August 28, 2012

Remaks by Chargé d’Affaires John Law

The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Panama, John Law, and representatives of the Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Cooperation (IICA) and the Center for Agroindustrial Production and Research of the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, participated in a Biotechnology and Biosafety workshop held in the Victor Levi Sasso campus of the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP).

The workshop was attended by distinguished scientific experts and targeted representatives of public institutions, academic associations and unions, with the objective of exchanging information and ideas to find the middle ground between food shortage and the mitigation of climate change impact in agricultural production, opting for the embracing of biotechnological crops and the benefits they yield.

During his speech, the Chargé d’Affaires Law said “United States and Panama share a long history of collaboration in the agricultural sector…the workshop today creates a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, and therefore allows for the creation of an integrated, collaborative approach to face the challenges Panama faces in this regard.  As it has been for decades, the United States is committed to remain Panama’s leading agricultural partner and will continue to support its efforts to strengthen and improve its agricultural sector.”

Other attendees included Dr. Martín Candanedo, Vice-Rector of Research, Postgraduate Degrees and Outreach of the Universidad Tecnológica de Panama; Professor Gerardino Batista, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Dr. Gabriel Rodríguez, representative of the Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Cooperation (IICA).