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USAID sponsored Program
in Biosafety Systems (PBS) has the responsibility
for establishing and enhancing the capacity of regulatory authorities
in ABSPII target countries. In some cases, these authorities
exist and have some experience while in other countries this
capacity is lacking. In India and the Philippines the process
for assessment and approval of bio-engineered products is both
in place and functional. In Indonesia food safety assessment
protocols have yet to be fully defined. Bangladesh has started
to work on the biosafety regulatory process, although work is
still needed to refine procedures. In Africa, while some research
and regulatory capacity exists, the current
situation is not as well advanced as in Asia.
ABSPII collaboration with the PBS will ensure that various
levels of approval are requested at times suited to the development
of the relevant authorities. Information supplied in support
of the request will be prepared in consultation with PBS to
ensure that the most effective (in terms of capacity building
activities) and efficient (in terms of resource use) activities
are performed.
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