NSTDA was invited to participate in the Eco-Exhibition of the 2nd GMS ENVIRONMENT SENIOR OFFICIALS' MEETING, 2nd GMS ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS’ MEETING and ENVIRONMENT FORUM at Vientiane, Laos PDR during 27-30 Jan 2008

   The Asian Development Bank (ADB) organized the 2nd GMS ENVIRONMENT SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETING, 2nd GMS ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS’ MEETING and ENVIRONMENT FORUM during 27-30 Jan.2008 at Don Chan Palace, Vientiane, Laos PDR. The meeting provided a forum for the Ministers in Environment in GMS countries (Greater Mekong Sub-region) including Thailand, Laos PDR., Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and China (Yunnan and Guangxi). From Thailand, Dr. Saksit Tridech, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was the leader of Thai delegates.

   The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) received the honorable invitation from ADB to observe the meeting and display research activities at the Eco-exhibition. During the event, NSTDA and ADB have agreed to sign the Letter of Intent (LoI) in developing of official collaboration in the afterward. Furthermore, on behalf of Thai Government, NSTDA has agreed to donate the Biodiesel Reactor, Jatropha Pressing Machine and Solar Cell Panel to the Government of Laos PDR, including the training of Biodiesel Reactor to Lao officials. The equipment donation ceremony was attended by Dr. Saksit Tridech, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Mr. Poonsuk Pongpat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, Vice President of NSTDA and Prof Siriluck Nivitchanyong, Assistant Director of National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA to H.E. Madam Khampheng Pholsena, Minister of Water Resources and Environment Administration, Laos PDR. among the local and international presses.

   During the exhibition, NSTDA’s researchers also had a chance to visit the governmental and private sectors with discussion on collaboration in the near future. For instances, Biodiesel project between Thai and Lao Ministry of Energy at Chaiburi, Sunlabob company, Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE) and National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). This serves a great opportunity for NSTDA researchers to become a good alliance with those from the countries in this Greater Mekong Sub-region. Overall, this meeting was concluded with a great success.