The Ministry of Industries (MoI) has prepared a draft of the Industrial Biotechnology Policy Guidelines 2019 with an objective to explore and utilise biotechnological knowledge for ensuring due contribution of bio-economy to the national economy.
The draft policy has the objectives of identifying opportunities in industrial biotechnology, developing bio-manufacturing industries, and empowering skilled human resources in the sector.
Besides, it will help develop a strong infrastructure for biotechnology research in the country as well as contribute to development and commercialisation of various biotech products.
"We have prepared a draft of the Industrial Biotechnology Policy Guidelines 2019, considering its importance," a high official of the MoI told the FE.
The MoI will soon send the draft policy to the cabinet for approval.
He noted that proper use of industrial biotechnology can help decrease the volume of energy and raw materials used to make products.
The official further said it will also reduce the quantity of emission and waste materials produced during industrial production.
He added that a National Technical Committee on Industrial Biotechnology (NTCIB) is set to be formed for overseeing implementation of the policy.
A former president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) told the FE: "We want industrial development in the country, but simultaneously we must protect our environment also."
Industrial biotechnology deals with food, feed and other agriculture products, healthcare and diagnostic items, bulk chemicals and goods for linked industries, and products of environmental applications.
According to the sector insiders, industrial biotechnology can be a key tool for the country's future economic development. It can help address issues related with climate change, food security, energy security, and infectious diseases etc.
This new technology has developed into a main contributor to the green chemistry, in which renewable resources - carbohydrates, fats and proteins - are converted into a wide variety of chemical substances.
These substances include fine and bulk chemicals, pharmaceuticals, bio-colorants, solvents, bio-plastics, vitamins, food additives, bio-pesticides, and bio-fuels like bio-ethanol and bio-diesel.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com