1. ICGEB is an international organisation with a membership of 47 countries, dedicated to advanced research and training in molecular biology, with special regard to the needs of the developing world. It runs several research programmes of high scientific content in laboratories in Trieste, Italy and New Delhi, India, addressing both basic and applied research problems.

2. ICGEB conducts innovative research in life sciences for the benefit of developing countries. It further strengthens the research capability of its members through training, fellowship and funding programmes, provides advisory services on policy issues and represents a comprehensive approach to promoting biotechnology internationally.

3. The ICGEB laboratories further develop research of importance to bio-industries in its members. It promotes the application of biotechnology in fields such as public health, energy, industrial production, nutrition and environmental protection/remediation. The Centre also offers consultation on scientific programmes in areas such as plant biology, addressing crop improvement, human health, addressing infectious disease control, vaccine production and molecular medicine, as well as basic molecular biology problems addressing the control of cell proliferation.

4. The main organ of the ICGEB is its Board of Governors, made up of a representative from each member. The Council of Scientific Advisers is composed of eminent scientists who oversee the scientific excellence of ICGEB. The Director, the two Component Heads (Trieste and New Delhi) and the scientific and administrative staff who operate within the framework of the ICGEB programme constitute the ICGEB Secretariat. At present, more than 270 people from 28 different countries are working in the two Component laboratories.

5. The Department of Science and Technology submitted a letter of interest to the ICGEB Board of Governors, conveying South Africa’s application for membership, in November 2001. The Board of Governors accepted the application and informed South Africa that in accordance with the ICGEB Statutes, in order to finalise South African membership, South Africa would have to pay an annual membership fee of US$37 000 per annum, as determined by the ICGEB scale of assessments, and that South Africa would have to deposit its Instrument of Accession with the United Nations in New York. Through the latter step South Africa will declare its acceptance of the ICGEB Statutes and indicate its commitment to the provisions contained therein.

6. Parliamentary approval of South Africa’s membership is, however, required in order to permit the deposition. The present consultation with the National Council of Provinces forms part of the process to secure this approval. At its meeting on 25 March 2003 the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Arts, Culture, Science and Technology supported the ratification of South Africa’s membership of ICGEB.

7. Joining ICGEB will offer South Africa new opportunities to further its National Biotechnology Strategy through participation in advanced collaborative research programmes and comprehensive training schemes. In addition, South Africa will be able to participate in a high-level intergovernmental forum where policy issues related to bio-safety and technology transfer are discussed.

8. The possibility has also emerged that South Africa could be appointed to the position of Auditor for the ICGEB when it joins the organisation. The South African Auditor-General will derive significant benefits from securing such a high-profile international assignment.

9. It should further be emphasised that the Government of Italy has committed in a World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) partnership initiative funding of approximately R10 million for the creation of an African Centre for Infectious Diseases in South Africa which would be able to participate in ICGEB activities as an "affiliated centre." This funding is conditional on South Africa finalising its membership of the ICGEB.