BIOTEC (Thailand) was first set up under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy in 1983.  When the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) was established in 1991, BIOTEC became one of the centers under its umbrella.  Operating outside the normal framework of civil service, BIOTEC became an effective channel for biotechnology transfer and development, supporting the industrial, agricultural, ecological, economic and social development of Thailand.  BIOTEC provides grants to projects including capacity building in agricultural biotechnology.  More information about BIOTEC can be obtained on its website: www.biotec.or.th.

On May 11, the Regional Director, accompanied by Dr. Apisit Eiumnoh, had a meeting with the Director of BIOTEC, Prof. Dr. Morakot Tanticharoen, the Deputy Director of BIOTEC, Dr. Ruud Valyasevi and the Director of International Cooperation Division, Ms. Duangkaew Chongkachornphong.  The purpose of the meeting was to explain the mission and activities of ARC and explore possibilities of collaboration.  Following the presentation and concurrent discussion, the possibility of BIOTEC and ARC collaboration was agreed.  The current focus of ARC in the field of mungbean breeding, organic vegetable farming and study of biochemical functionalities of native vegetables at ARC was appealing to BIOTEC. 

Source: Dr. Peter A.C. Ooi/AVRDC-ARC