Asian Scientists Cooperate in Biofuel Development

Scientists from Vietnam, Indonesia, India and South Korea discussed cooperation opportunities in developing replaceable energy and biofuels at a recently-concluded workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. New technologies on renewable energy, as well as biofuel policies of each country were introduced at the international workshop. Participants noted that the event demonstrated the four Asian countries’ efforts to share information on potential opportunities for cooperation on the development of biofuels. The conference also aimed to boost exports of commercial technology programs to work together and become globally competitive in the provision of replaceable energy solutions.

Vietnam has set targets to develop biofuel production and usage models to turn out 100,000 tonnes of 5 per cent ethanol blend and 50,000 tonnes of 5 per cent biodiesel blend each year, under an energy development program to 2010, aiming at meeting 0.4 per cent of the country’s demand for petrol. "Developing biofuel is an urgent need and the Government has mapped out a plan to import this commodity to fulfill the country’s target," said Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Lang. He added that in order to step into a period of using replaceable energy effectively, it is essential to perfect policies and a legal framework for biofuels, as well as raise public awareness of using this kind of energy.

For details see the news at http://www.english.vietnamnet.vn/biz/2008/10/808662/. For information on biotechnology in Vietnam, contact  Le Thu Hien (hientttm@yahoo.com ) of AgBiotech Vietnam.