An MOU signing ceremony was held between NSTDA and the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan on 16 February 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. Representing NSTDA and NARO were Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, NSTDA President and Dr. Akihiro Sasaki, NARO Senior Vice President, respectively. Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Minister of Science and Technology and Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy Tokyo were among the guests of honor to witness the auspicious occasion.
The MOU will provide a framework for collaboration in the field of sustainable agriculture and food between Thailand and Japan. The collaboration will be carried out through activities such as joint research, exchange of information and staff, etc. The collaboration with NARO will benefit greatly to the plant breeding research program in Thailand, in particular the breeding of ornamental plants, the breeding of crops adaptable to climate change, and molecular breeding.