A REMOTE factory complex in Kazakhstan where the Soviet Union developed biological weapons has thrown its doors open to Western biotechnology companies. The Pentagon has earmarked $2.6 million for a scheme to help the Kazakh government switch production from lethal microorganisms to pharmaceuticals.
The Kazakhs are keen to convert the complex at Stepnogorsk to peaceful purposes, says Tony Rimington, a member of a British trade mission to the plant. 鈥淭he details of what they used to make here were not made public to us, but we were impressed by their openness,鈥� he says
The complex is one of eight core institutes chosen by the Kazakh government as the foundation for a new biotechnology industry. The Kazakhs have ploughed $25 million into the plant to overcome manufacturing problems, poor construction standards and worries about contamination by residues from biological weapons.
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