20000126

IDB extending continuous support for promotion of biotechnology

ISLAMABAD: The President of Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Ahmed Mohammad Ali, has said the bank is fully aware of the economic potentials of biotechnology and provides support on continuous basis for its development.

The bank also appreciates the importance and usefulness of creating networks for scientists, he said in his message read out at the three-day international seminar which began here on Tuesday.

The seminar is being organised by Comstech in collaboration with Isesco and IDB.

He said the Inter-Islamic Science and Technology Networks, established in Comstech, following the decision of the fifth Islamic summit conference held in Kuwait in 1986 are very important mechanisms for promoting cooperation in science and technology among OIC member states.

The IDB has, therefore, agreed to finance some of the priority activities of these networks, as a fulfilment of the pledge it made to Comstech to help reactivate these networks and give them a new impetus so that they could discharge some of the very important assignments, Dr. Ali said.

These Networks, he said, have made useful contribution to the concrete application of feasible technologies in solving actual socio-economic development problems. In addition they have constituted useful databases of experts and institutions in their respective fields of specialty. They have also provided a congenial environment for cooperation and collaboration among their members," he added.

Dr. Anwar Nasim, Adviser, Science, Comstech, who read out the message said the Muslim world has started recognising the importance of biotechnology and organised activities in this area.

He said biotechnology is the tool to a better tomorrow and is at the forefront of attempts being made to create a greener world by conserving and harnessing biodiversity for higher yields, increased pest resistance, better nutritional value and improved taste in cultivated crops.

Dr. Nasim said Pakistan has shown good progress in this new and exciting science. The existence of centres like National Institute of Agriculture Biology (Niab), Nuclear Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) in Faisalabad, and the Agriculture Biotechnology Institute in National Agricultural Research Council show that the country is actively and aggressively trying to play its role in the frontier science. APP