Fostering global partnerships in cassava industry
From June 10-14, 2024, the Brazil-Thai Chamber of Commerce (BTCC) had the honor of hosting a Brazilian delegation of cassava growers and processors from Paraná. This mission, organized in partnership with the Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (FIEP), aimed to seek technological cooperation between Brazilian and Thai research institutes and partnerships with local cassava growers and Thai cassava manufacturing plants.
The program commenced with a morning seminar on June 10, 2024, at the Pimarnman Ballroom, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. The event provided an invaluable opportunity to share best practices, exchange industry information, and present research from the perspective of Brazilian cassava growers. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Kraisin Vongsurakrai (Deputy Secretary-General of the Board of Trade of Thailand), Mr. Surapong Saengsiripongpun (President of the Thai Tapioca Trade Association), Mr. Hélio Caldas (Brazilian Commercial Counsellor), Mr. Joao Eduardo Pasquini (President of the Association of Cassava Growers of the State of Parana), and Mrs. Ana Carolina Miranda Lamy (Brazilian Agricultural Attaché). Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri (Director of the Biochemical Engineering and Systems Biology Research Group, BIOTEC-NSTDA) also joined this event.
Following the seminar, the delegation embarked on a four-day technical visit to cassava plantations and processing plants in Korat province. These visits facilitated the exchange of experiences and technological advancements in cassava production and starch producing plants. On June 14, 2024, the delegates had an opportunity to visit BIOTEC to learn about diagnostic technology for cassava mosaic disease detection, biocontrol technology for cassava pests/diseases, and biogas technology for cassava starch industry, and discussed potential collaboration.