KARACHI: Bio-economy and engineering experts have highlighted the current status and future potentials of bio-economy in Pakistan and discussed multiple factors responsible for growth and technological advancement required for development in the country.

It was shared that the global food security index (GFSI) had been designed as a tool to measure at country-level food security addressing the issues of affordability, availability, quality and safety in 113 countries around the world.

Speaking on Saturday at a symposium titled “Bio-economy and Engineering Nexus” held under the auspices of the Pakistan Academy of Engineering (PAE), the experts emphasised the importance of opportunities and challenges associated with bio-engineering and technology.

In his welcome address, PAE president Dr Jameel Ahmad Khan said that the sustainable production of food, energy, chemicals and materials was a major challenge facing modern societies and future generations.

He said agriculture sector was the major contributor of bio-economy of Pakistan.

“It contributes 18.9 per cent to its GDP and employees 42.3 per cent of the labour force,” he said.

“PAE has come to the conclusion that it is imperative to constitute a bio-economy council of Pakistan in line with the international practices to address the theme in a holistic manner.”

Li Huishang on behalf of Prof Dr Wu Kongming, Vice President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in his presentation delivered though internet expressed his insights into the field of agriculture under CPEC and its impact on the bio-economy of Pakistan.

He identified various opportunities available for technology transfer and learning between the two countries.

Dr Shahid Mansoor, of the National Institute of Bio-Technology and Genetic Engineering, stressed the need for legislation in the field of genetic engineering and genome editing.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2019