Bangkok--5 Oct--Pro Media PR World leading scientists will gather in Bangkok to attend the BioAsia 2007 and International Trade Exhibition and Conference for Biotechnology. Thai government and private sectors are ready to host the most essential international event related to the development of technologies related to agricultural industry, the BioAsia 2007 and the The 1st International Trade Exhibition and Conference for Biotechnology during November 5-9 2007 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. BioAsia 2007 will feature two major scientific conferences including The 6th Asian Crop Science Association Conference and the 2nd International Conference on Rice for the Future. Prof Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Minister of Science and Technology says that the Asian Crop Science Association Conference has been organized every four years. The purpose of this 6th Asian Crop Science Association Conference is to bring together agricultural scientists in Asia to share research experiences. This year's theme is technology for self-sufficient agriculture in Asia. He says the focus of the conference is to emphasize on addressing science and community aspects assuring the long-term survival of local, healthy, secure, sustainable food and energy in Asia. The conference also highlights the benefits of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture and hopefully captures the essence of the sustainable agriculture movement for the future. Since the first International Conference on Rice for the Future took first stage in Bangkok during the celebration of the International Year of Rice 2004, the second conference will mark a significant turn for rice as the most important food crop. The 2nd International Conference on Rice for the Future will emphasize rice as a designer crop for healthier products. The conference will cover a wide-range of researches from breeding, genomics to human nutrition and health. The latest development in breeding new rice varieties against biotic and abiotic stresses will also be highlighted in this meeting. World leading scientists would take the stage to share their knowledge in topics such as "Biofortification: Using Agricultural Technology to Improve Public Health" by Dr. Howarth Bouis from HarvestPlus, "Biotechnology - The Rocky Road to Success" by Dr. Jim Peacock of CSIRO-Plant Industry, Australia and “New Solutions to Old Problems and Future Challenges: What Science Can Do to Make the Asian Rice Industry More Productive” by Dr. Robert S. Zeigler from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), The Philippines. There will be the presentation of The Golden Sickle Award, an international award initiated in 2005 to recognize the achievements of individuals who have made contribution towards the advancement of rice research. The recipients to this year’s awards are Dr Gurdev Khush from University of California, USA and Prof. Susan McCouch from Cornell University, USA. BioAsia 2007 will also have the business networking function: The Asia Bio Business Partnering 2007 that is expected to attend by 40 companies from 9 countries including Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Vietnam and Thailand. One of the highlights of this event is the exhibition showcase that will feature The Monarchy and Thai Rice to present to all participants about the royal initiatives in promoting rice development in Thailand from the past until now. Visitors to the event can also visit the International Trade Show, to be held during 7-9 November 2007, Over 60 companies, academic and research institutes from Thailand and overseas have confirmed to join this event. BioAsia 2007 and the international conferences are co-organized by local and international government and private agencies. Local organizers are the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Kasetsart University, Department of Agriculture and Rice Department and S.L.M. Management Co, Ltd. International organizations are Generation Challenge Programme, Harvest Plus, Japan Society of Breeding and Crop Science Society of Japan. The event is also supported by Science and Technology Ministry, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Board of Investment and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Some 5,000 to 8,000 trade visitors from 20 countries are expected to attend this event. For more information, please contact Khun Pattaraporn at Pro Media PR Co, Ltd at 02-632-6728-9,fax at 02-632-6729, mobile phone at 081-843-0868 or e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected]. Contact: Ms. Amy Tan, PR Director Pro Media PR Co., Ltd. Email: [email protected] Tel: (02)632-6728-9 Fax: 02-632-6729 Mobile : 081-843-0868