On December 20, 2024, BIOTEC welcomed delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea (MOFA-ROK), and the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) for a site visit to showcase the achievements and continuity of the “Capacity Building on Circular Economy, Resource and Energy Efficiency for Productivity and Sustainability of Cassava Chain to High Value Products: Cassava Root, Native Starch, and Biogas in Mekong Countries (CCC)” project. The delegation included Ms. Park Eun-seong, Deputy Director of Southeast Asia Division II, ASEAN and Southeast Asian Affairs Bureau, MOFA, Mr. Kim Dong Hoo, Second Secretary, and Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta, Director of the Trade & Investment Facilitation Department of the Mekong Institute. They were received by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director of BIOTEC, and Dr. Kobkul Laoteng, Acting Deputy Executive Director of BIOTEC.
The CCC project was successfully funded by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund with a total amount of THB 12,960,105 (USD 394,005). Recognizing the importance of cassava to the regional economy, the project aims to transfer technology to CLMV countries through capacity-building programs. These include best practices for cassava cultivation and breeding, efficient cassava starch production and management, as well as waste management, utilization, and biogas production.
During the visit, Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri, Principal Investigator of the CCC project, provided a summary of the project’s milestones and sustainability. Since its inception, the CCC project has successfully engaged more than 102 participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand (CLMVT) through training sessions. These sessions have facilitated transfer on the cassava value chain from Thailand to its neighboring countries, with participants reporting significant knowledge gains and practical adaptations in their respective industries.
One of the key achievements of the CCC project is the establishment of the ASEAN Cassava Center (ACC), dedicating to promoting the sustainable development of the ASEAN cassava industry by enhancing skills, fostering regional collaboration, and facilitating knowledge exchange. The ACC serves as a critical platform for connecting stakeholders across the region, ensuring long-term growth and cooperation within the industry. Highlights include exceeding participation targets from CLMV countries, initiating spin-off projects supported by national and international agencies, and engaging the cassava industry at large—evidenced by the involvement of more than 20% of Thailand’s starch factories in the carbon footprint analysis project.