On September 23, 2025, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) welcomed a delegation from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand for a project site visit and evaluation. The purpose of the visit was to review progress and exchange insights on project management to maximize the impact of two ongoing projects funded by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMCSF).
The two projects are:
- Promotion of Sustainable Cassava Production in the Mekong Region through Dissemination of Cassava Mosaic Disease Diagnostic and Clean Cassava Seed Production Technologies (CLEANCASS), led by Dr. Saengsoon Charoenvilaisiri.
- Technology Transfer and Knowledge Exchange on Edible Mushrooms for Economic and Agricultural Sustainable Development among Countries in the Mekong Region (Mekong Mushroom), led by Dr. Umpawa Pinruan.
The four-member delegation was led by Mr. Wang Dexin, Counselor of the Department of Asian Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Ma Minggeng, Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand. They were received by Dr. Chaowaree Atthalangrong, Executive Director of BIOTEC, together with project principal investigators and relevant staff.
During the visit, Dr. Saengsoon Charoenvilaisiri and Dr. Sayanh Somrithipol presented updates on project milestones, budget status, success stories, and challenges faced. The discussions also explored solutions and strategies to enhance project impact at the regional level.
The delegation concluded the visit with a tour of BIOTEC’s facilities related to the projects, including the Monoclonal Antibody Production and Application Laboratory and the Plant–Microbe Interaction Laboratory, gaining a deeper understanding of Thailand’s biotechnology capabilities.