Biotechnology in the Andean Group: common policies and instruments

Although applications of biotechnology have taken a slower pace than initially anticipated, they certainly hold potentials for contributing to the social welfare and economic growth of all nations. Aware of such potentials, the andean countries (Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) individually and collectively, within their economic integration process, are making efforts to develop this new technology area. At the national level, science and technology policies and strategies are being revamped to create an appropriate environment for the development and application of biotechnology and several projects are under execution. These efforts still need, however, further political support and investment. In 1969 the andean countries established an economic integration agreement (the Cartagena Agreement), which included technology as one of its main concerns. For 22 years conceptual and operational developments have taken place creating joint capabilities in many technology areas, including biotechnology. In the last two years the pace has slowed down and is not accompanying national efforts. This is particularly serious as no country can by itself fully develop biotechnology. In spite of current difficulties the Andean Group is well placed to accelerate the development of biotechnology through the application of existing policies and legislation at communitarian level.