Cablegate: Ethiopia Biotechnology Outreach Funding Request

VZCZCXYZ0004
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHDS #3008 3580817
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 240817Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7263

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003008

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT FOR MARCELLA SZYMANSKI AND JACK BOBO
ALSO AF/E FOR JOEL WIEGERT

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO ET
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH FUNDING REQUEST

REF: STATE 122732

1. (SBU) In accordance with reftel guidance, Embassy Addis Ababa
submits the following request for biotechnology outreach funds to
support a biotechnology workshop to be held by the Government of
Ethiopia (GoE) in Addis Ababa February 2-4, 2010. USAID/Ethiopia is
also supporting this effort.

COST: USD 5,500.00 is requested to support travel and lodging
expenses for conference speakers. Subject matter expert speakers
from South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and possibly the U.S. will be
invited.

TARGET AUDIENCES: High-level GoE decision makers, particularly in
the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Trade
and Industry, Environmental Protection Authority, and Prime
Minister's Office.

AG-BIOTECH ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: Biotechnology and its impact on
agricultural productivity and agribusiness in the African context.
Promoting agriculture biotechnology with regard to domestic food
security and agricultural products for export. Regulatory
frameworks in neighboring countries, lessons learned in the
implementation of biosafety legislation.

PURPOSE AND IMPACT: To educate high level GoE decision makers about
agriculture biotechnology and the potential implications of the
country's new biosafety legislation.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM: Three days

SPEAKER ARRANGEMENTS: Embassy Addis Ababa and USAID/Ethiopia will
make speaker arrangements directly. Post will not use the IIP
Speaker Program.

POST CONTACT: Skye Justice, Political/Economic Officer. Telephone
+251-11-517-4111 or IVG 750-4111, email justicess@state.gov

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