A project entitled “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 (abbreviation: CCC)” was successfully funded by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund for a total amount of THB 12,960,105 (USD 394,005). Led by Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri, Director of Biochemical Engineering and Systems Biology Research Group, and Dr. Kanchana Saengchan, Waste Utilization and Management Research Team, the CCC Project aims to strengthen the competitiveness of cassava value chain in the Mekong region which comprises Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand (CLMVT).
Cassava is considered one of Thailand’s most important economic crops. Supplying around 68% of the global market, Thailand was ranked as the world’s largest cassava products exporter in 2019. Along with our neighboring countries in South East Asia, especially Cambodia and Vietnam, the global market share has reached 90%. In recognition of the importance to the economy of the region, the CCC Project seeks to transfer technology through capacity building program from Thailand to CLMV in terms of best practices for cassava cultivation and breeding, efficient cassava starch production processes and management and waste management and utilization and biogas production. About 100 participants comprising agricultural extension officers, engineers, industrial experts from CLMV countries are expected to participate in the program.
Following the launch of the Mekong-Republic of Korea partnership in 2011, the Mekong-ROK Cooperation Fund (MKCF) was established in 2013 to support the implementation of cooperation activities initiated by the Mekong countries and the Republic of Korea under the Mekong-ROK cooperation framework. The Fund provides grant for projects that are regional in nature and is aligned on the priorities of the country to address national issues that facilitate regional integration process.