NZBio Disappointed at Government Decision

17 September 2004

NZBio Disappointed at Government Decision to Ratify Cartagena Protocol

NZBio is disappointed that New Zealand’s Government has chosen to ratify the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the biotechnology industry organisations’ CEO Brian Ward says.

The Protocol seeks to regulate international trade of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).

“NZBio believes the Government has been premature in deciding to ratify because of the uncertainties the Protocol presents, and that the decision will have a negative impact on the economy.

“Ratifying the Cartagena Protocol will place a significant burden on New Zealand exporters, who will now face the additional costs of complying with documentation requirements relating to the export of LMOs.

“Ratification creates a disincentive to develop innovative technologies in New Zealand, and will impact on the development of novel solutions for the agricultural, medical and research sectors.

“The decision to ratify is an unnecessary hurdle for an emerging industry that is a key platform for the future growth of the economy.

“This decision is a major disappointment for the country’s biotech industry.”

ENDS

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