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ChemChina can reap the rewards as China opens up to bioengineering. The state-owned group’s near-$44 billion bid for Syngenta could thaw hostility towards genetically modified organisms: nationalist fears will be less credible once the seeds are in Chinese hands. The buyer will be able to push into a huge new market but so, in time, will rivals like Monsanto.
Genetically modified crops are divisive within the Communist Party. Scientists are pushing for GMOs to improve China’s puny crop yields – hectare-for-hectare, the country’s farmers produce one-fifth less cereal than the United States, World Bank data shows. But hardliners, especially within the People’s Liberation Army, fear GMOs could bring health risks plus a foreign stranglehold on the food supply.
ChemChina’s bid requires domestic approval, of course. But Chairman Ren Jianxin looks to be pushing on an opening door. Despite the opposition of the PLA and campaigners such as Greenpeace, President Xi Jinping already backs scientific research into genetically modified seeds. And having a Chinese champion should make it easier for the government to permit domestic cultivation.
However, China’s obligations under trade rules mean it would probably have to open up to other suppliers as well, such as Syngenta’s bigger U.S. rivals. ChemChina will have to share the fruits of its harvest.
Read full, original post: ChemChina can reap rewards of new stance on GMOs
