Bangalore, Dec 26, 2006: Thailand’s first international biotechnology conference and exhibition event, BioAsia 2007 Thailand, will be held from November 7 to 9, 2007 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok.

 

SLM Management Co. Ltd and the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) will jointly host the event with an aim to promote Thailand as a regional biotechnology development hub under the National Biotechnology Policy Framework (2004–2009). Visitors from over 20 countries will have an opportunity to establish networks that will bring about the emergence of modern biotechnology business.

 

The scientific conference in BioAsia 2007 Thailand will give emphasis on agricultural biotechnologies. In conjunction with BioAsia 2007 are two additional key conferences: the Sixth Asian Crop Science Association Conference and the Second International Conference on Rice for the Future. Both conferences aim to encourage government agencies and private sector to apply biotechnology research and development to agricultural business and promote it to farmers.

 

At the event signing ceremony between SLM and BIOTEC, Dr Yongyuth Yuthavong, Minister of Science and Technology and President of BIOTEC, commented that he has taken necessary steps to implement biotechnology development under the National Policy and to apply their results in industrial setting.

 

Dr Yongyuth indicated that it is necessary for the government to provide support to the private sector group since they are aware of market needs. He went on to inform that Thailand is aiming to welcome 100 biotechnology companies with a total R&D investment estimated at $1 billion by the year 2009. Dr Yongyuth was pleased to see the government and the private sector co-hosting ‘BioAsia 2007 Thailand’ as a platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange, while also encouraging cross-border investments in biotechnology.

 

“The Thai government will provide basic infrastructure support by setting up the Bio-Park as the information center for bio business, including financial assistance measures and benefits to persuade foreign investors. These measures include tax benefits to push for more research & development activities or STI and to provide human resource support in the field of science and technology through universities,” stated Dr Yongyuth.

 

Dr Saksit Tridech, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Science and Technology, also delivered a speech at the signing ceremony stating, “Thailand is considered ASEAN’s leader in biotechnology. This has been proven as the Minister of Science and Technology was selected President of ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology from 2000–2002. In his tenure, Dr Yongyuth was instrumental in pushing the ‘ASEAN-help-ASEAN’ policy to its members’ agenda by supporting new members such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam in their technological and human resources development. Since 2001, Thailand has also been providing research funds so these countries can attend training at BIOTEC Research Center. This project has been generally admired by all ASEAN members and international organizations and had gained strong support from countries such as China, Japan and India where there are advancement in biotechnology. Hosting ‘BioAsia 2007 Thailand’ will not only be a regional pride but will also show Thailand’s leadership in forging cooperation in biotechnology among the ASEAN community in both scientific conference and exhibition.”

 

Ms Nonglak Jitjeankhan, Marketing Director of SLM Management Co. Ltd commented, “SLM has seen Thailand as a world-class location for biotechnology industry because of its abundant biodiversity resources to support scientific development. The National Biotechnology Framework was established in 2004 and it aims to bring about an emergence of more biotechnology companies and more financial investments for biotechnology research and development by 2009. This is the very reason we organize the ‘BioAsia 2007 Thailand’ under the support of BIOTEC, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and TCEB. We want to set up the stage for a Conference & Exhibition of 200 international biotechnology firms from all over the globe. We believe that ‘BioAsia 2007 Thailand’ will promote the Kingdom as a top destination for international biotechnology investment opportunity.”

 

Dr Morakot Tanticharoen, Director of BIOTEC said, “The Scientific Conference & Exhibition for biotechnology has been taking place every two years since 2001 and much success has been recorded in the past. S.L.M. Management realizes the potential opportunity in biotechnology business as ‘BioAsia 2007 Thailand’ takes this event to an international-level conference/exhibition, much like those in countries like Japan, the U.S., and Singapore where there is great advancement in biotechnology. Participants from the private sector can also use this event to widen their business networks and enhance business opportunities.

 

“We have currently received a good response from ten leading biotechnology scientists on agriculture who have confirmed their participation as key speakers for the conference. Their participation will greatly enhance the success and attract more visitors from around the world,” Dr Morakot said.

Mr Vithaya Sintharapantorn, Sector Director – Exhibitions, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau also extended his message on behalf of TCEB. “We are glad to support ‘BioAsia 2007’ which will take Thailand to another level in biotechnology researches and in innovative exhibition. TCEB has seen this opportunity as an ideal venue for the gathering of biotechnology experts to present their researches through an international conference. This also helps Thailand gain a reputation as leader in sustainable biotechnology development in the region while promoting the Kingdom as ideal destination for international Conferences & Exhibitions in the region, providing the best quality in services, in line with TCEB and the government’s commitment.”

 

“BioAsia 2007 Thailand’ is also set up to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and promote his visionary works on science such as the Bio-Diesel project, which is the national pride, in connection with the celebration of his 80th Birth Anniversary,” Mr Vithaya added.