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several major commodities, such as rice, jute, rubber, oil palm, coconut and buffaloes. Developing countries should collaborate in developing and using biotechnology in order to maintain and increase their competitiveness in these and other commodities on the world market.
VI.
54.
THE ROLE OF FAO
In the key areas of information distribution, research development and practical implementation, there is a role for international organizations to help coordinate and facilitate such enterprises. FAO stands ready to play an increasingly important part in these fields in the future. FAO's Programme of Work and Budget for the biennium 1990-91 approved by the Conference in November 1989 identifies biotechnology as one of the priority areas. Activities are foreseen under various programmes with the overall coordination within FAO assured by the Interdepartmental Working Group on Science and Technology. The main aim of FAO's involvement in biotechnology is among others to assist member countries in assessing their requirements, encourage them to share their expertise with developing countries, monitor developments including those related to the private initiatives in biotechnology and provide a forum for discussing biotechnology-related issues.
55. FAO, with UNDP assistance, is also in the process of establishing a regional network and initiating a project on plant biotechnology. The overall goal of the project is to improve the productivity, profitability, stability and sustainability of major farming systems, with special reference to resource-poor farmers. The network will help national governments in the Region to strengthen cooperation, to plan research and application, to advise on priorities and strategies for R&D activities, to promote exchange of planting materials and germplasm, to organize and coordinate training activities, to streamline linkages with other relevant regional and international organizations, and to exchange information. The member countries are urged to fully support the establishment and implementation of this initiative.