The four-day event was organised by the International Association of Professionals in Sugar and Integrated Technologies (IAPSIT) and Society for Sugar Research & Promotion (SSRP), with the cooperation from Rencontres du Vietnam and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE).
It attracted the participation of nearly 200 delegates from India, China, Thailand, Fiji, the Philippines, the US, and Vietnam.
The delegates discussed issues relating to the sustainability of the sugar industry in ASEAN; technological innovations in bioenergy, green harvesting, carbon storage, climate-resilient crop varieties; and 4th-industrial-revolution-induced agricultural technologies.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, SSRP President Dr. Sushil Solomon stressed that agriculture plays a vital role in ASEAN nations, with eight out of the 10 members relying heavily on farming and relating activities.
He reported that sugarcane, in particular, is one of the region's key crops, covering nearly 2.8 million hectares and contributing around 10% of the world’s sugar production.
He hailed that organisation of the conference represents a significant effort to foster comprehensive technological cooperation in the sugar industry.
He stated that by promoting cooperation, embracing technological advances, and prioritising sustainability, ASEAN states can maximise the potential of their sugar industries while maintaining high productivity levels, thus making significant contributions to regional economic development and food security.
For his part, Nguyen Huu Ha, Deputy Director of the Binh Dinh Department of Science and Technology, noted that the conference provides a valuable opportunity for domestic and international scientists and businesses to exchange experiences, update the latest sci-tech advances, and explore cooperation and market expansion opportunities.
