ABSTRACT
Introduction Many countries throughout the world are involved in the field of biotechnology. Research from developing countries such as Argentina, Brazil, India, Malaysia, and Pakistan is often overlooked by those following the field. However, third world countries have started to realize that while they may not be able to compete with industrialized countries in the manufacturing or computer arenas, they can successfully compete in the biotechnology arena. Recent years have witnessed the growth of government-sponsored education programs in biotechnology starting out at the high school level in Malaysia and other countries. In Pakistan the government-supported biotechnology initiative has links to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. While on the whole programs such as these are strictly civilian in nature, the dual-technology implications cannot be ignored. The sharing of information among various countries, while vital for the continued growth of biotechnology in those parts of the world, does create concerns about proliferation. There is real concern that fundamentalists or other nationalist actors may act as “talent scouts” to seek out talented individuals in the furtherance of their causes. The field of biotechnology holds much hope for the world but also poses a danger that needs to be watched. As the field of biotechnology advances there are increased calls for the regulation of equipment and research. That may well work for many Western nations but probably will have very little effect on developing nations. Bioreactors and fermentors are readily available throughout the world and sales are very difficult to control and regulate. A 2003 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report looked at the availability of surplus equipment in the biological field and found that many items were being sold to unknown companies around the world.1 A 2004 report recommended that controls be implemented on the sale of such equipment in order to prevent their diversion.2
