Vietnamese delegation discusses short-term training
A delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Science and Technology visited AIT on 11 April 2006.
The delegation included: Dr. Buv Ba Bong, vice minister of Agriculture; Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hoan, vice director, Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Trnh Khae Quang, vice director, Ministry of Agriculture; and Dr. Le Huy Ham, head of Biotechnology Office.
The event was also attended by AIT President Said Irandoust, Prof. Sudip K. Rakshit, vice president for research, Prof. Sivanappan Kumar, dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development, Prof. Athapol Noomhorm, coordinator of the Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology field of study, and Dr. Jonathan Shaw, director of AIT Extension.
The vice minister said the government of Vietnam is taking steps increase capabilities of employees for its nation by offering short-term training and joint research programs in agricultural biotechnology, food processing and ecological conservation. He mentioned that Vietnam and AIT have a very fruitful, long-lasting relationship and hence, AIT is the best place and focal point for mutual collaboration. Furthermore, AIT Vietnamese alumni are well appreciated by the organization that they are working for.
He invited Profs. Irandoust and Rakshit to pay a visit to research institutes in Vietnam to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture.
In his response, Prof. Irandoust said that he is delighted to hear a positive feedback from the ministry about AIT alumni in Vietnam. He talked of AIT's new initiatives and said that AIT is keen to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture in achieving its goals.
After the meeting, members of the delegation visited the food processing and biotechnology laboratories.