On 22 April 2022, the 3rd APEC Media Focus Group was held at the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) for both Thai and foreign media, to share Thailand’s vision in applying the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) to drive post-COVID economic recovery and sustainability and to showcase EECi- Thailand’s new innovation hub . The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of APEC 2022 that Thailand is hosting this year centering around the theme of “Open. Connect. Balance.” driven by the BCG model.

EECi is an innovation hub located at the heart of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Wangchan District, Rayong Province. Its ultimate goal is to support the transformation of Thailand into an innovation-driven economy. The establishment of EECi is spearheaded by NSTDA in collaboration with public and private organizations.

Speakers at the events were drawn from public and private enterprises – the Ministy of Foreign Affairs, EEC Office, NSTDA, PTT Group, Global Power Synergy and Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) introducing their work supporting the BCG model.

Representing NSTDA at the event was NSTDA Executive Vice President Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana. He highlighted the role of EECi a key infrastructure to drive sustainable bioeconomy under the BCG model.

A tour to research facilities was given to participants, including biorefinery pilot plant and smart greenhouses. Biorefinery pilot plant is a multi-purpose facility for developing and scaling-up the production of biobased products utilizing sustainable production processes. The facility will be professionally managed by Bio Base Asia Pilot Plant, a joint venture between NSTDA and Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant with extensive experience in managing similar facility in Europe. The pilot plant is currently under construction and will be fully operational in 2024.

In addition to biorefinery pilot plant, EECi also houses major facilities such as Sustainable Manufacturing Center to strengthen the development and demonstration of automation, robotics, intelligent systems – essential technologies to Industry 4.0, Plant Phenomics Facility and Plant Factory.

Information and photo credit: MFA website