GMS @ THAIFEX 2017 Post Event Report

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GMS @ THAIFEX 2017 Post Event Report

THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 31 May – 4 June 2017, Nonthaburi, Thailand

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CONTENTS

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 3

I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 5

A. Background .......................................................................................................................... 5

B. Objectives and Expected Output ........................................................................................ 6

II. VIABILITY OF REGIONAL MARKETING EFFORTS ................................................................. 7

A. Joint regional marketing through the GMS Pavilion .......................................................... 7

B. Side events: chef shows and coffee and tea demonstrations .......................................... 9

C. Joint Marketing through the product catalog ................................................................... 10

D. Market matching: translating inquiries to actual businesses ......................................... 11

E. Assessing the Viability of Regional Market Efforts .......................................................... 12

III. HARMONIZING REGIONAL APPROACHES AND POLICIES TO FOOD SAFETY AND

MARKET ACCESS ...................................................................................................................... 13

A. Working towards a regional approach to address food safety and market access....... 13

B. Lessons Learned and next steps ...................................................................................... 15

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. 16

Appendices ........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Appendix 1: Event Photos...................................................................................................... 16

Appendix 2 List of Exhibitors at the GMS Pavilion ............................................................... 24

Appendix 3: Chef Show Program and Menu ......................................................................... 25

Appendix 4: Policy Forum Program ...................................................................................... 27

Appendix 5: Communications materials ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Appendix 6: Media releases ................................................................................................... 43

Appendix 7: M&E Forms/results ............................................................................................ 45

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION The Greater Mekong Subregion Working Group of Agriculture (GMS WGA) initiated for the first time, a subregion-wide approach to promoting the safe and environment-friendly agriculture products that are produced in GMS. The array of products comprising of organic, low-input using agriculture products, and geographical indication commodities was housed in one GMS pavilion akin to a one-stop shop. The other initiative was the conduct of the first policy forum to discuss the food safety concerns and way forward for GMS to become an internationally recognized hub of diverse safe and environment friendly agro-based products. This report highlights the two-pronged subregion-wide approach, with the end-view of gauging the demand for and marketability of GMS-produced safe and environment friendly, the challenges, both at policy and product/agro-industry levels, and the proposed next steps particularly in the light of the ensuing GMS Strategy and Action Plan. Specifically, the lessons learned and insights from GMS@ THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 will feed into the ensuing Strategy and Action Plan for Promoting Safe and Environment-Friendly Agro-based Value Chains in the GMS (2018 - 2022). The Strategy is currently under development anticipating endorsement at the GMS Agricultural Ministers Meeting in September 2017. The GMS-themed policy and market events at the THAIFEX are highly relevant to the first and fourth pillars of the Strategy, specifically harmonizing the food safety and quality assurance policies and addressing GMS branding and marketing of safe, responsibly produced food products. Proposed initiatives for the fourth pillar include the identification of key products and players, the development of a brand and subsequent trust-mark, and marketing activities that promote GMS food suppliers of both domestic and export markets applying good practices. GMS PAVILION PRODUCT SHOWCASE The GMS pavilion with the theme, “Discover GMS: Asia’s Natural Hub” was launched in the THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 - one of the leading international trade exhibition for food & beverage in Asia - from 31 May to 4 June 2017 in Thailand. More than 200 safe and environment-friendly agro-food products from 35 small-scale producers, cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from GMS countries were exhibited and sold in the GMS Pavilion. There were six categories of agro-based food products: (i) cereals, grains and rice, (ii) fruits and vegetables, (iii) condiments and spices, (iv) meats and seafood products, (v) coffee, tea and Infusions, and (vi) specialty foods and others. About 80% of the exhibited products were certified organic products and the remaining were certified as GlobalGAP, GAP and/or GI products. During the five days of the trade fair, around 17,200 visitors (or close to a third of the total number of visitors of the THAIFEX event) went to the GMS pavilion. These comprised mainly top industry buyers, traders and distinguished visitors and guests from ASEAN and beyond visited the GMS Pavilion. While expectedly more than half of the GMS Pavilion visitors were from Thailand (56.4% of total visitors), the remaining third of those who visited the GMS Pavilion were interestingly from the other GMS countries (PRC at 5.3%, Lao PDR (4.6%), and Vietnam (4.3%), Cambodia and Myanmar at 5%). Less than 10% were from the USA, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. Among the diverse agro-based products showcased in the GMS Pavilion, fresh seafood (about 27% of the interviewed visitors) and fresh fruits (22%) topped the line of salable products. Other marketable produce were high-end quality rice varieties (small chicken rice, riceberry rice, red rice, and brown rice, at 19% of total respondents), meat products (10%), and coffee and tea (8%), reflecting that the markets for GMS products attracted the middle and upper middle income rung.

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OTHER PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT THE PAVILION: (1) GMS TOP CHEFS SHOW AND COFFEE AND TEA DEMONSTRATION A cooking show featuring the best chefs from each GMS country demonstrated traditional cuisines from each GMS country using safe and environment-friendly agro-food ingredients at the GMS Pavilion and at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) stage. Coffee and tea demonstrations were also held at the GMS Pavilion. These side events were quite popular and one of the most well attended events in THAIFEX. All those who watched the chef shows and sampled the hot beverage gave positive feedback; nearly all (i.e., 96%) of those who watched the chef shows tasted the featured recipes. This experience demonstrated clearly that one of the selling products of the GMS is the diverse food menus and beverages in the subregion. For example, enabling tourists to GMS to have access on the wide range of traditional food cuisines that are safe and nutritious could be an effective promotional and marketing strategy for showcasing the subregion as a global hub for safe and environment friendly agro-based products. This would entail looking at these products not just from the agriculture sector lens but also from the perspective of potentially allied sectors like the food manufacturing sector, its logistics providers, and the tourism sector. (2) JOINT MARKETING THROUGH THE PRODUCT CATALOG A catalog featuring 340 of safe and environment friendly agro-based food products from 105 smaller-scale producers, SMEs, cooperatives, traders and NGOs from GMS countries was produced and disseminated at the THAIFEX event and online (http://www.gmswga.org/). The product categories and number of products per classification are: have been classified into six categories: (i) cereals, grains and rice-56 products, (ii) coffee, tea and infusions-87 products (iii) condiments and spices-76 products, (iv) meat and seafood products-19 products, (v) fruits and vegetables-79 products, (vi) and specialty foods and others-23 products. The catalog served as a launching pad for a subregional directory and inventory of the array of agri-based food products in GMS. It also provided especially the SMEs the opportunity to promote and market their products under a GMS umbrella, which in turn, reflect the potentials for scale economies of similar products. (3) ADVISORY SUPPORT: MARKET MATCHING AND ADVICE ON PRODUCT BRANDING, MARKETING AND EXPORT PROCEDURES A market matching service was made available for the GMS suppliers at the Pavilion. It was supported by one of our event partners, Asia Pacific Food Marketing Association for Asia and the Pacific (AFMA) in collaboration with the CASP 2 team. A private session between selected exhibitors and buyers was also arranged by THAIFEX organizers, which proved to be more effective than the walk-in service that took place at the Pavilion. Exhibitors were provided with tutorials on effective product presentation, such as packaging, branding, and product positioning, and export guidelines prior and during the trade fair. AFMA also arranged supermarket visits for selected GMS exhibitors to expand potential market outlets. More than 350 business deals were initiated during this trade fair. More than half of the GMS exhibitors received an average of 10 business deals each. However, the traded amount cannot be captured as most transactions are in the earlier stage of business negotiation. Two-thirds of the GMS exhibitors are neophytes who never engaged in business matching events or in participating in large trade fairs. They affirmed that the results of the business

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deals initiated at the event exceeded their expectations. AFMA will continue to support and lead market matching initiatives even after THAIFEX.

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Background

1. The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries1 have a collective vision of becoming a leading global supplier of safe and environment friendly agro-food products. The Subregion has made outstanding progress in increasing food security and has the potential to become a true leader in global food production. In this context, the GMS is effectively striving towards established goals of increased market access and integration, improved food safety, and the adoption of globally recognized quality standards. 2. Majority of small and medium-scale, and small-scale agro-food producers and traders in the GMS are hampered by resource and capacity constraints, limiting their ability to access and compete in international markets. Disease, pest and food safety concerns and limited ability to demonstrate equivalence in risk assessment hinder GMS food supplier ability to meet the requirements of global markets, particularly higher value markets such as those of the OECD. Identifying the right incentives and policies through the combined efforts of GMS governments, the private sector and development partners, can harness the strengths of the Subregion and build the capacity needed to protect domestic consumers and industries and unlock new markets. 3. Accelerating market access and competitiveness under CASP 2. The GMS Core Agricultural Support Program Phase II (CASP 2) along with the governments and the private sector is at the forefront of promoting regional cooperation in agriculture through the GMS Working Group on Agriculture (WGA). It plays a key role in strengthening regional agricultural policymaking and investment in the implementation of innovative initiatives in increasing market access and competitiveness of GMS food products by promoting safe, socially and environmentally responsible food supply chains through various market initiatives2. Building on the GMS’s strengths, joint marketing initiatives between GMS suppliers can sustainably improve subregional food supply, facilitate increased market access, manage risk in cross-border trade, and contribute to enhance agricultural productivity and value creation in food supply chains from primary production to consumption. 4. THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 Highlights. One of the largest trade fair events in Asia, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 showcased a good example of potential synergistic partnerships between the government and the private sector to address food and beverage issues in Asia. The five-day trade fair jointly organized by Koelmesse Pte Ltd, Thailand Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). There were nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 40 countries during the trade fair and with over 55,111 visitors from 130 countries, comprising of key decision makers and buyers in the food and beverage trade. The increase in visitor participation and increased number of international exhibitors is indicative of a strong food and beverage sector. According to the statistics gathered by the event’s organizers the number of international exhibitors grew by 14 per cent (representing countries such as Scotland, the USA, Australia, Poland, Japan, Turkey, and countries in the GMS). The number of international exhibitors matched that of Thai exhibitors.

1 Comprising Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam 2 CASP 2 is funded under ADB Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) 8163: Implementing the GMS Core Agriculture Support Program, with financing support from the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and Nordic Development Fund (NDF).

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5. The one stop-food exhibition featured the latest food producing technologies, food safety standards, with a 30 percent increase from last year’s attendees. The event has provided numerous opportunities to secure on-the-spot and follow-up orders and develop business linkages. Participants in the GMS pavilion have also benefited from exposure to potential clients and partners, different business models and opportunities to add value to products, and new markets within the GMS and beyond. This one-stop food exhibition also features latest food producing technologies, food safety standards, related businesses and services, as well as a most fascinating culinary experience from the world of food. A platform for networking between buyers and exhibitors, and an avenue for collaboration, sharing thoughts, and knowledge-exchange about issues facing the industry was also organized. For the first time this year, an exclusive group of Asian top buyers were also hosted on-site for one-on-one business matching and networking.

B. Objectives and Expected Output

6. The GMS Working Group of Agriculture (GMS WGA) initiated for the first time, a subregion-wide approach to promoting the safe and environment-friendly agriculture products that are produced in GMS. First, the array of products comprising of organic, low-input using agriculture products, and geographical indication commodities was housed in one GMS pavilion akin to a one-stop shop. The other initiative was the conduct of the first policy forum to discuss the food safety concerns and way forward for GMS to become an internationally recognized hub of diverse safe and environment friendly agro-based products. 7. The broad objectives of the GMS joint marketing efforts (GMS Pavilion, side events and product catalog), and GMS Policy Forum at THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 are to: (i) disseminate information and raise awareness of safe and environmentally friendly products in the GMS; (ii) share knowledge and experiences of innovations in food supply among stakeholders from around the GMS; (iii) understand market preferences, market recognition of food safety certification and identify the effective mechanisms for linking production to markets; (iv) explore strategies for accessing and engaging with new markets; (v) identify potential partnerships between THAIFEX participants; (vi) progress efforts to establish joint branding and marketing initiatives in the GMS, (vii) explore possibilities for collaboration and benchmarking of regional certification and accreditation systems; and (viii) validate CASP 2 policy recommendations with participating stakeholders and the wider international business community. 8. Strategy and Action Plan (2018-2022). Lessons learned and insights from GMS@ THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 will feed into the ensuing Strategy and Action Plan for Promoting Safe and Environment-Friendly Agro-based Value Chains in the GMS (2018 - 2022). The Strategy is currently under development anticipating endorsement at the GMS Agricultural Ministers Meeting in September 2017. The GMS-themed policy and market events at the THAIFEX are highly relevant to the first and fourth pillars of the Strategy, specifically harmonizing the food safety and quality assurance policies and addressing GMS branding and marketing of safe, responsibly produced food products. Proposed initiatives for the fourth pillar include the identification of key products and players, the development of a brand and subsequent trust-mark, and marketing activities that promote GMS food suppliers of both domestic and export markets applying good practices.

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II. VIABILITY OF REGIONAL MARKETING EFFORTS

A. Joint regional marketing through the GMS Pavilion

9. The participation in the trade fairs are considered a proven method of developing networks and creating new market channels that can expand the trade linkages for smallholder producers and SMEs. The GMS pavilion with the theme, “Discover GMS: Asia’s Natural Hub” to showcase noteworthy, innovative, safe and environment-friendly food products produced in the GMS was launched at the Health and Organic section of the THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 from 31 May to 4 June 2017 at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, which is the leading international trade exhibition for food & beverage in Asia. 10. GMS Pavilion - a unique booth design of 90 square meters – was designed and created in order to be a market platform to promote under one roof the safe and environment-friendly agro-food products from the 6 GMS countries (PRC, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR). The GMS Pavilion was located at the Health and Organic Section (G36) in the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Thailand.

11. More than 200 qualified safe and environment-friendly agro-food products from 35 smaller-scale producers, cooperatives, and SMEs from GMS countries GMS exhibitors3 were showcased in the GMS pavilion. The exhibitors were selected from 105 candidate companies from the GMS countries. The products were displayed in six categories: (i) cereals, grains and rice, (ii) fruits and vegetables, (iii) condiments and spices, (iv) meats and seafood products, (v) coffee, tea and infusions, and (vi) specialty foods and others presented in Figure 1 below.

Table 1: Number and main exhibit products by categories

Product category

Number of products

Main products

Fruits and vegetables

55 Fresh vegetables: bean, tomato, cabbage, cucumber, broccoli, mushroom, etc.

Fresh fruits: mango, yellow passion fruit, pursat orange, mangosteen, etc.

Fruit products: fruits chips (longan, banana, mango, durian, etc.)

Cereals, grains and rice

47 Rice: White rice, glutinous rice and special rice varieties (red, riceberry, khai noy rice, black wild rice, purple rice, etc.)

Rice products: Rice noodles, rice paper cake, rice cereals, rice cookie, black rice macaroni, etc.

Condiments and spices

39 Pepper (white, black and red) Palm sugar Oil (sesame oil, sacha inchi oil, etc.) Fish sauce Spices (cinnamon sticks, galangal powder, anise powder,

dried chili, turmeric powder, etc.)

3 The GMS Pavilion exhibitors were chosen out of 105 candidates from the 6 GMS countries, the list of exhibitors is provided as Appendix 2.

Picture 1: GMS Pavilion (Front view)

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Condiment sauce kits Coffee, tea and infusions

33 Coffee: Roasted bean, ground, instant, drip and capsules & pods

Tea: White tea, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and special tea (Mulberry tea, sacha inchi tea, and rice tea)

Meat and seafood products

16 Fresh products: sea bass, shrimp, and mud crab Processed products: beef jerky, beef sausage, dry cured,

salami, saucisson, smoked bacon, prahoc paste etc. Specialty food and others

15 Wild Honey Wild grape wine Cashew nuts Moringa products, and others

Source: Inventory records of the exhibit products, 31 May 2017

12. All products featured in the GMS Pavilion have been certified under various international, national and local SEAP standards. About 80% of the exhibit products are certified organic, 74% of which have been certified under international organic standards (i.e. IFOAM, NOP, USDA, EU and COR), and the rest are nationally certified or locally accredited (i.e. Lao Organic, COrAA, Organic Thailand, and MOAG, Participatory Guarantee System). Twenty-percent of the products exhibited in the GMS Pavilion have GlobalGAP, GAP and GI certifications. 13. There were around 17,200 GMS pavilion visitors from 36 countries during the 5-day trade fair comprising of top industry buyers, traders and distinguished visitors and guests from ASEAN and beyond (see Figure 1). Visitors from Thailand remain the majority of the GMS Pavilion visitors with 56.4% of total visitors due to the event location, followed by PRC (5.3%), Lao PDR (4.6%), Vietnam (4.3%), and USA (3.7%). The visitors were mostly representatives of business sector (44%), followed by the International organizations and NGO (15%), and the government organization (14%).

Figure 1: Visitor breakdown by Geographical area and Top 10 visiting countries

Source: THAIFEX Preliminary Monitoring report, 2017

14. Most of the interviewed visitors declared that they like the design of the GMS Pavilion and about 90% found it interesting to have a wide range of products from all over the GMS countries in one unique space. Of the 205 exhibit products, fresh seafood was the most popular product (quoted by 27% of the interview visitors), followed by fresh fruits (22%). Special rice varieties (small chicken rice, riceberry rice, red rice, and brown rice) attracted the attention of the trade buyers and visitors as well (quoted by 19% of total respondents), followed by meat products 10% then coffee and tea (8%). It can be inferred that these product categories may be potential priority commodities to be promoted from the GMS.

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B. Side events: chef shows and coffee and tea demonstrations

15. One of key factors that drew visitors to the GMS Pavilion all throughout the five days was the chef show and coffee and tea demonstrations. While it was a crowd drawer because of the scrumptious traditional recipes presented from all over the six GMS countries by their very own top chefs, it was an ingenious and practical way of showcasing ingredients from the different GMS countries. In total, 18 GMS menus4 were demonstrated and tasted by the trade buyers and visitors of the GMS Pavilion.

Picture 2: Six Chefs from the six GMS countries

16. It demonstrated how each product harmoniously complements any GMS traditional dish. An example of this is Vietnamese Chef Vu Thi Ngoc Ai’s version of the famous fresh spring rolls wherein she used fresh vegetables from our Chinese exhibitors, fish sauce from Vietnam, and rice paper and palm sugar from Cambodia. A host during the chef show interviewed the chefs during the actual demonstration so that the audience can better understand why such dish and its ingredients were chosen while the exhibitors whose products are featured was individually interviewed as well so they may give more information about the features of their products and what sets them apart from the other non-GMS products in the market. There were two locations for the chef shows: (i) at the GMS Pavilion, and (ii) at the TUCC, which is the ultimate chef challenge stage. 17. The chef show was a great opportunity to advertise many of the safe and unique products of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). It was widely considered as one of the most interesting events in THAIFEX 2017 as it received a great deal of attention and positive feedback from visitors to the event. The interview was conducted randomly from the audiences of the chef shows in different cooking sessions. More than half of the audiences saw the cooking demonstration from the GMS countries for the first time and all of them reported that they liked the cooking demonstration and 96% of them tasted the cooked food. The chefs appreciated the opportunity to broaden their professional networks, and conversely, some of the exhibitors were inspired to invite the chefs to help market their products.

18. However, while the chef show served the purpose of promoting the safe and environment-friendly agricultural products of the GMS, it would have been better if each session had been designed with a clear message including a brief introduction of the ingredients used for each show.

4 1 menu per chef per Country

“…“I’m very happy about the collaboration with the different GMS chefs because they are able to show the various ways in which my prawns can be cooked. Special thanks to the Chinese chef Huang Chuangyong…”

Mr. Surikit, Owner of Surikit Farm Exhibitor from Thailand

Box 1

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19. The same method was applied to the coffee and tea demonstrations as well. Each coffee and tea exhibitor had an opportunity to showcase their products, inform the booth visitors of its unique features while giving a back story of their company and how their products have helped uplift the communities around them. Myanmar’s Genius Coffee is an example of how a social enterprise has improved overall the welfare of their local coffee growers and their families, who are also one of the indigenous groups in the country. Agriculture and Food Marketing Association for the Asia Pacific (AFMA), an intergovernmental and non-profit organization in association with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations focused on agricultural multi-sector cooperation, was a key partner in the coffee and tea segment of the GMS Pavilion. They brought in Life Coffee, a Chiang Mai based coffee plantation whose barista, also hailing from Chiang Mai, opened the show for two days and set the tone for demonstrating how to properly prepare latte, espresso, while explaining the distinct features of their coffee beans and how the environment in Chiang Mai has contributed to its flavor and aroma. The coffee and tea demonstrations were only held at the GMS Pavilion.

C. Joint Marketing through the product catalog

20. A catalog featuring a selection of noteworthy,

innovative safe and environment-friendly products

from the GMS was developed prior to the event.

Three hundred forty (340) qualified products from

105 small-scale producers, SMEs, cooperatives,

traders and NGOs from GMS countries have been

classified in six categories: (i) cereals, grains and

rice (56 products), (ii) coffee, tea and infusions (87

products), (iii) condiments and spices (76 products),

(iv) meat and seafood products (19 products), (v)

fruits and vegetables (79 products), (vi) and

specialty foods and others (23 products).

21. One thousand (1,000) printed copies of the catalog were distributed to buyers and visitors

during the THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017. The product catalog was acknowledged by the

exhibitors, the GMS chefs, and the GMS Pavilion visitors as an effective tool for the product

promotion, which provided detailed information on product features including standards

and certifications. In addition, the product catalog also served as an important marketing tool,

especially for some products whose packaging are still in local language and for companies who

did not have name cards and brochures during the fair. Furthermore, a soft copy was

disseminated through websites, and various social media channels, both regionally and globally.

Table 2: Opinions of GMS exhibitors, Cooking chefs and visitors on the GMS product catalog

Type of stakeholders Results of the interviews

Exhibitors About 95% liked the product catalogue and 91% will use the catalog to promote their products

GMS cooking chefs All chefs liked the product catalogue and found the information useful

GMS visitors Most of the interviewed visitors liked the design of the GMS catalog and about 90% like the idea of having a wide range of products from the GMS countries in one unique space

Source: THAIFEX Preliminary Monitoring report, 2017

Picture 3: Product catalog including 340 products from six GMS countries

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D. Market matching: translating inquiries to actual businesses

22. Market or business matching services were also made available at the GMS Pavilion in

partnership with Agriculture and Food Marketing Association for the Asia Pacific (AFMA). The

objective was to link national and international buyers with GMS suppliers that would potentially

create lasting business partnerships. During the four days, there has been extensive interest in our

GMS products and strong leads to closing long-term business deals.

23. More than 350 business deals were

initiated during this trade fair. More than

half of the GMS exhibitors received about

10 business deals and above (see Figure

2). However, the traded amount was not

possible to capture due to the earlier stage

of the business negotiation. Two-third of

the exhibitors declared that the results of

the business deals during this event were

beyond their expectations, especially for

the exhibitors participating in this event for

the first time and did not have any

experience in the business matching; they

accounted for about 63% of total

exhibitors.

Source: THAIFEX Preliminary Monitoring report, 2017

24. The market-matching event was

a significant learning experience and

opportunity to widen the network and

customer base of the participating

exhibitors. Because of their being

housed in one pavilion, networking

among the exhibitors was stimulated.

One concrete and positive outcome was

the invitation of the China’s Guangxi

Good's Organic Agriculture Group to

gain access to the Chinese market by

displaying and selling other GMS

products in Guangxi’s Good Organic

Agriculture stores. Mr. Liang, the

company’s proprietor, has expressed

satisfaction with the GMS Pavilion and

its activities and has already started talks

and coordination on this pilot project.

25. Aside from on-site trade facilitation between buyers and GMS exhibitors, AFMA and GMS

CASP 2 identified fourteen products from the six GMS countries that had high potential of

attracting business deals based on AFMA’s past dealings with their network of institutional buyers

and retailers. The team made sure the product categories and countries were well-represented

supported by the following selection criteria: a) products are of high value and/or high value

addition and logistics efficiency; b) less perishable to prevent food waste (unless product is unique

and seasonal); c) marketable and high potential for scalability; d) unique supply with high demand

and e) product differentiation, uniqueness, and products with distinct core competencies. The team

Figure 2: Number of business deals initiated between the GMS Pavilion exhibitors and the trade buyers during the

THAIFEX-World of food Asia 2017

“…Even if I’ve joined numerous trade fairs in the past, the GMS Pavilion is a unique experience because we are able to network amongst the Pavilion members. I found an opportunity to do exactly that – to collaborate and help each other in the GMS to expand our businesses.”

Mr. Liang Jiaxi, Guangxi Good’s Organic Agriculture Group Co. Ltd.

Exhibitor from PRC

Box 2

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requested product samples from each of the selected products and suppliers, which will be sent to

top Thailand retailers. A follow-up of such initiative has been made with AFMA. During the GMS

Pavilion trade days, AFMA also conducted a quick trip to a nearby supermarket in the IMPACT

area for the Myanmar fruit exhibitors who wished to observe product packaging and marketing

tactics of local competitors.

26. Parallel to the GMS business matching activities was a private business matching session

organized by Koelnmesse Pte. Ltd, that granted slots to three GMS exhibitors from Cambodia,

Vietnam and Lao PDR to gain access to a private session with national and international buyers.

The session lasted for only an hour but proved to be a successful and more effective method to

directly engage with potential business partners, based on the immediate feedback received from

the three chosen GMS exhibitors. Selection was again based on the five criteria mentioned earlier.

27. To ensure the effectiveness of the

business matching activities, AFMA will support

and lead succeeding activities with the selected

GMS suppliers who have shown great interest

in seeking marketing and business guidance,

which may include but not limit to, business

plan, marketing strategic formulation, product

and market development, value chain

management of products and farm stay

program through AFMA’s sustainable value

chain framework, from the CASP 2 and AFMA

teams following THAIFEX 2017.

28. Many valuable connections were established in the GMS Pavilion - these leads will help in generating successful business deals after the trade show. The varied profile of exhibitors in the GMS has expanded horizons of the companies and has promoted the wide range of products available in the GMS that were not very well known to the rest of the food and beverage sector. The hosted buyers ‘program gave a good opportunity for exhibitors to engage with major retailers from around the region. The chance to meet buyers from supermarkets and hypermarkets across Thailand was very well received by the exhibitors. 28. According to the preliminary monitoring survey conducted among exhibitors, they believed that attending trade fairs such as THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 will help expand their businesses. Most of them understood the concept of joint branding as a unified GMS as an appropriate business and marketing approach especially for smallholders and SMES. Majority of the exhibitors appreciated the GMS Pavilion design and expressed their willingness to join the similar trade fairs again in the future.

E. Assessing the Viability of Regional Market Efforts

29. The physical design of the GMS Pavilion and organization and range of products attracted the visitors to visit the booth. This concept was convenient for the trade buyers and visitors to source the commodities from a single place. On the other hand, it was less convenient for the exhibitors who had several commodities displayed in other shelves due to the product display arrangements and categorization. The exhibitor found it somewhat difficult to manage their time, between attending to one interested buyer from one category and another in a different category, which were displayed in different shelves. As a result, one of the suggestions was to display the products by countries to address this time management issue among exhibitors. In addition, based on feedback, the shelf space allotted to a product was quite small and due to this limitation of display space, some products were not optimally showcased. It was recommended to reduce the number of the exhibitors.

“…The private business matching session held on the last day of THAIFEX was the most effective business initiative because in just an hour’s time, we were able to get 10 serious inquiries that are

now undergoing negotiations.”

Mrs. Chanhpheng Sengthavy KPC Company Exhibitor from Lao PDR

Box 3

13

30. Because of the “GMS as One” concept, inter-regional cooperation between the exhibitors thrived and began to see business opportunities in the GMS network. For instance, the Genius Shan Highlands Coffee and Aung Nay Lin Tun Co. Ltd will support the coffee growers of Natural Garden Company in Cambodia in terms of providing training on producing and processing coffee. On the other hand, this concept also exhibited healthy intra-competition between the exhibitors having the similar commodities, such as rice, coffee, and tea. 31. The product catalog was acknowledged by the exhibitors, the GMS chefs, and the GMS Pavilion visitors as an effective tool for the product promotion, which provided detailed information on product features including product origin, supplier contact information standards and certifications. In addition, the product catalog also served as an important marketing tool, especially for some products whose packaging are still in local language and for companies who did not have name cards and brochures during the fair. However, a major criticism of the catalog was its text size and the quality of the photos. Text size was too small and difficult to read and understand while the photos had poor quality. 32. The market matching was very effective tool because some business deals and purchase orders took place during the event. For example, the Sugar Palm Association, an exhibitor from Cambodia, received a purchase order from Thailand and Japan companies. One Thai company plans to visit the production place of the palm sugar in Cambodia and may initiate new business plans together. Moreover, there are also buyers from Thailand who expressed interest in ordering 500 units to test in the Singapore, India and EU markets. However, Myanmar’s Unique Mushroom Production Company had to comply with the HALAL standard before the order shall take effect. 33. The exhibitors agreed that GMS Pavilion was an innovative concept. It was especially a good opportunity for smallholder producers and SMEs in the GMS countries to understand and explore selling in the regional and international markets through the business matching service. The exhibitors were very delighted with the event and are willing to join again next time.

III. HARMONIZING REGIONAL APPROACHES AND POLICIES FOR

FOOD SAFETY AND MARKET ACCESS

A. Working towards a regional approach to address food safety and market access

Picture 4: Policy Forum and World of Food safety conference 2017

Policy Forum Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) as One:

“Unified Regional Approaches to Food Safety and Market Access” (31 May 2017)

World of Food Safety Conference 2017 GMS Food Safety Agenda:

“A Shared Responsibility through Public-Private Collaboration” (1 June 2017)

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34. A two-day GMS-focused policy forum was held at the THAIFEX. On 31 May 2017, the theme was about GMS as One: Unified Regional Approaches to Food Safety and Market Access, while on 1 June 2017 at the World of Food Safety Conference 2017 (WOFSC 2017), an ADB Special Session the “Shared Responsibility through Public-Private Collaboration” was convened (The Agenda of the Policy Forum is attached in Annex 4).

35. The forums stressed that the imperatives of food safety are integral components of food security and market access. However, the subregion’s current pest, disease and residue issues hamper production and food safety. In addition, many of its small and medium agro-enterprises and smallholder producer groups are limited by scale, reducing their competitiveness and ability to demonstrate food quality and safety. Although the GMS countries have made great progress in reforming national policies, gaps remain at the GMS level and strategic investments are needed. A regional approach to food policy driven by business and public interests, will enhance protection of domestic consumers and suppliers, will support scaling up of production, and will facilitate product marketing. It is essential at the outset that producers and the wider business community work closely with policymakers to develop unified regional approaches to food safety. A regional approach to food policy driven by business and public interests, will enhance protection of domestic consumers and suppliers, will support scaling up of production, and will facilitate product marketing. A candid assessment of current policy gaps and priorities for investment is needed to achieve the goal of establishing the subregion as a leading regional and global supplier of safe and environment-friendly agricultural food products. A background paper was provided at the policy forum.

36. These two forums gathered various senior experts involved in food safety and quality assurance in Asia representing regulators, industry and academia to explore current approaches, strategies, mechanisms and ‘state of the art’ food safety and quality assurance food supply chains. The forums sought to address current gaps in meeting domestic and export market requirements. Discussion topics included: harmonization of standards, process control, combating food fraud, and understanding consumer demand for premium and clean food.

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B. Lessons Learned and next steps

37. Approximately 250 participants attended these two forums, including representatives from the government (50%), private sector, industry leaders and decision makers (29%), international organizations and non-government organizations (7%), education and academia (7%), farmer groups and other (7%). Almost 70% of participants were from the 6 GMS countries (PRC, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Thailand). The participants rated their satisfaction level for the forum at 4.03 out of the total score of 5. All forum contents (welcome remarks, opening remarks, keynote address and panelist discussions) were appreciated by the participants and received satisfaction level between 3.8 and 4.0. 38. Overall, the participants appreciated the Policy Forum and World of Food Safety Conference and provided some recommendations to foster continued support to the GMS WGA especially in its policymaking efforts and in developing public-private collaborations for investments that will strengthen the subregion’s prospects of implementing internationally recognized food safety and quality assurance standards so as to build the subregion as leading global supplier of safe and environment friendly agriculture products. 39. For the future conduct of policy forums, some areas for improvement were recommended. Specifically, it was suggested that speakers should highlight more product training experience nationally and internationally and that actual cases studies or actual situations be raised in order to

“… The GMS is growing rapidly and has a comparative advantage in a number of food products. The policy forum has provided a good opportunity for food suppliers and traders to collaborate on food safety issues through public-private collaboration. Moreover, GMS cooperation is also strong within the ASEAN subcommittee on SPS…”

H.E. Mr. Winichai Chaemchaeng Vice Minister for Commerce Vice Minister of Ministry of Commerce Thailand

“… GMS countries need to do more and break remaining barriers particularly in SPS, standards harmonization and technology and knowledge transfer. We need to come together since there is much experience and technology available within the region …”

H.E. Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Lao PDR

“… We hope to establish an ongoing policy dialogue that will help the region build a solid foundation of knowledge, best practice standards, and cooperation to support expanding agri-food markets, livelihoods, and sustained prosperity across GMS…”

Refer to: Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Senior Environmental Specialist South East Asia Department Asian Development Bank

“…You have to do one pilot project at a time to overcome food safety challenges and FIA and other private sector institutions are available to assist in this endeavor” collaborate on food safety issues through public-private collaboration. Moreover, GMS cooperation is also strong within the ASEAN subcommittee on SPS…”

Mr. Pradeep Pant Advisory Board Member Lee Kong Chiang School of Business

“… Food Safety is also about quality and nutrition. Systems need to be in place and this involves setting minimum standards…”

Mrs. Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab Head of Agricultural Quality Standards Unit Economic Cooperation and Trade Division UNECE

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propose more relevant policies for discussions. Additionally, allotted time should be longer for deeper discussions to take place. 40. Moving forward from the GMS-themed policy forum, an issue paper on “Harmonizing Food Safety Policies and Expanding Global Markets” is expected to be developed. The paper will address where we were, where we are now and where we need to be in relation to food safety in national markets within the GMS and current and potential export markets for GMS products; the paper will identify doable policy measures that could lay the groundwork for the harmonization of food safety and quality assurance procedures in the GMS. The paper will serve as an input to the upcoming second GMS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in September 2017 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Conclusion 41. The GMS @THAIFEX was the first initiative of the GMS Working Group of Agriculture to promote and market the GMS on a subregional level. A two-pronged approach was used. The first was the showcasing and hosting of marketing related events for the array of safe and environment friendly agriculture products of the subregion under one roof – the GMS Pavilion, which was akin to a one stop shop. The second initiative was the conduct of a policy forum to focus on policy and investment areas that will maximize efforts toward harmonizing food safety and quality assurance, and promote public and private collaboration. 42. These combined efforts (GMS Pavilion, chef, coffee and tea shows, and policy forum) contributed toward building GMS's credibility as “Asia's natural hub” and a destination for SEAP. Majority of the participants of GMS @THAIFEX (exhibitors, forum participants, chefs and GMS Pavilion visitors) agreed that the marketing schemes opened market opportunities especially for the smallholder producers and SMEs in the GMS countries as they gained additional lessons on how to better sell their products to regional and international markets. It also materialized to prospective market deals that hopefully will expand the market access of the SMEs especially at the GMS level. The chef and beverage shows highlight as well the market potentials of promoting the diverse traditional food cuisines of the subregion, which can be one of the highlights of prospective agro food-tourism packages for the subregion. These multi-sector links will be explored at the forthcoming GMS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting. 43. The participants appreciated the initiatives of the Policy Forum and World of Food Safety Conference and provided some recommendations to foster continued support to the GMS WGA especially in its policymaking efforts and in developing public-private collaborations for investments that will strengthen the subregion’s prospects of implementing internationally recognized food safety and quality assurance standards so as to build the subregion as leading global supplier of safe and environment friendly agriculture products. 44. Moving forward from the GMS-themed policy forum, an issue paper on “Harmonizing Food Safety Policies and Expanding Global Markets” is expected to be developed. The paper will address where we were, where we are now and where we need to be in relation to food safety in national markets within the GMS and current and potential export markets for GMS products; the paper will identify doable policy measures that could lay the groundwork for the harmonization of food safety and quality assurance procedures in the GMS. The paper will serve as an input to the upcoming second GMS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in September 2017 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

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Appendix 1: Event Photos

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APPENDIX 2 LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE GMS PAVILION

# Country of origin Company name

1 VIETNAM Minh Ha Co., Ltd

2 VIETNAM Seasons Trading Service JSC

3 VIETNAM DandK Star International Company Limited

4 VIETNAM Vietnam PGS Network

5 VIETNAM Vien Phu Organic and Healthy JSC

6 THAILAND Aromatic Farm

7 THAILAND Fruit Tech Company

8 THAILAND Phu Care Agricultural Housewife Community Enterprise

9 THAILAND Rim Rong housewife community enterprise

10 THAILAND Sarnfun organic company

11 THAILAND Ta Dor gac fruit processing community enterprise

12 THAILAND Ton Boon Community enterprise

13 THAILAND Ban Um-sang Rice Community Enterprise

14 THAILAND Laem Fa Pha Organic Agriculture Enterprise

15 THAILAND Arpakorn Development Co., Ltd

16 THAILAND Sookjai Organics Community Enterprise Network

17 CAMBODIA Gold Palm

18 CAMBODIA Cambodian Organic Farm Enterprise

19 CAMBODIA Natural Garden

20 CAMBODIA Sem Reap Smallholder Producers

21 CAMBODIA Orchel Organic Farm

22 CAMBODIA Amru Rice (Cambodia) Co., Ltd

23 MYANMAR National International Commercial Enterprise

24 MYANMAR Unique Mushroom Production

25 MYANMAR Aung Nay Lin Htun Co., Ltd.

26 MYANMAR Myanmar Fruit, Flower & Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association (MFVP)

27 MYANMAR Safe Food from Safe Farms, Organic PGS Products Shop

28 PRC Guangxi Good's Organic Agriculture Group Co., Ltd

29 PRC Yunnan Tonghai Songwei Agricultural Products Import & Export Co., Ltd.

30 PRC Guangxi Longzhou Beibu Bay Modern Agriculture Co. Ltd.

31 LAO PDR Kating Thong Herb Co., Ltd

32 LAO PDR Lao Farmers' Products Export-Import Co., Ltd

33 LAO PDR Sinouk Coffee

34 LAO PDR Lao Fresh Meats Co., Ltd

35 LAO PDR Khamphengphet Chengsavang Agriculture Promotion Export – import Sole Co, LTD

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APPENDIX 3: CHEF SHOW PROGRAM AND MENU

I. GMS CHEF SHOWS 31 May 2017

GMS Stage Show Round Time Chef Country Menu Round#1 10.30-11.30 Chef Eng Im Cambodia Amok Fish [Goby Fish

Fillet Marinate with Red Curry paste, kefir lime leave,Nano leave and Steam in Banana Leave Basket

Round#2 12.00-12.30 Chef Huang Chuangyong China Round#3 13.30-14.00 Chef Khampheng

Thongsavath Lao PDR

Round#4 15.00-15.30 Chef De Partie Senior Mr. Soe Thu

Myanmar Mohingha (Myanmar Rice Noodle Soup)

Round#5 16.00-16.30 Chef Tatchapol Choomduang Thailand Round#6 17.30-18.00 Chef Vu Thi Ngoc Ai Vietnam Fresh Spring rolled TUCC Stage Show Round Time Chef Country Menu Round#1 14.00-14.30 Chef Eng Im Cambodia Samlor Korko pork rib

[Mix Seasonal Vegetable Soup with Pork Rib, Tossed Rice Crush and green Curry paste

Round#2 14.30-15.00 Chef Huang Chuangyong China 1 June 2017

GMS Stage Show Round Time Chef Country Menu Round#1 10.30-11.00 Chef Vu Thi Ngoc Ai Vietnam Sticky rice steam with

mushroom and chicken Round#2 12.00-12.30 Chef Tatchapol Choomduang Thailand Round#3 13.30-14.00 Chef De Partie Senior Mr.

Soe Thu Myanmar Pickled Tea Leaf Salad

Round#4 15.00-15.30 Chef Khampheng Thongsavath

Lao PDR

Round#5 16.00-16.30 Chef Huang Chuangyong China Round#6 17.30-18.00 Chef Eng Im Cambodia Phlea Trey (Thin Slice

Raw Goby Fish Fillet Cook with Lime juice, Mix herb, and Long Bean Salad)

TUCC Stage Show Round Time Chef Country Menu Round#1 14.00-14.30 Chef Khampheng

Thongsavath Lao PDR

Round#2 14.30-15.00 Chef De Partie Senior Mr. Soe Thu

Myanmar Mandalay Glass Noodle Soup

2 June 2017 GMS Stage Show

Round Time Chef Country Menu Round#1 10.30-11.00 Chef De Partie Senior Mr.

Soe Thu Myanmar Moun Loun Yei Baw

(Floating Pellet)

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Round#2 12.00-12.30 Chef Khampheng Thongsavath

Lao PDR

Round#3 13.30-14.00 Chef Huang Chuangyong China Round#4 15.00-15.30 Chef Eng Im Cambodia Prahoc Ktish [Caramel

Minced pork and Prohok, Red Chili paste, Peace Eggplant, palm sugar, Coconut milk and Served with Assorted Fresh Vegetables]

Round#5 16.00-16.30 Chef Tatchapol Choomduang Thailand Round#6 17.30-18.00 Chef Vu Thi Ngoc Ai Vietnam Fried spring rolled TUCC Stage Show Round Time Chef Country Menu Round#1 14.00-14.30 Chef Tatchapol Choomduang Thailand Round#2 14.30-15.00 Chef Vu Thi Ngoc Ai Vietnam Sweet banana with

coconut milk II. COFFEE AND TEA DEMO 3 June 2017

GMS Stage Show Time Coffee & Tea Show Country Barista/Master Tea

pourer 10.30-11.00 Chiang Mai Shade Grown Drip Coffee

and Latte Art Thailand Ker Prue Too/ Ms.

Sophie/ AFMA 12.00-12.30 Lao Farmers Products Lao PDR Mr. Noway 13.30-14.00 Nara Green Tea Myanmar

Mr. Kyaw Thi Ha 14.30-15.00 Sinouk Coffee Lao PDR Mr. Keate 15.30-16.00 Genius Coffee Myanmar Mr. Kyai Ko Ko Oo

assisted by Ms. Lay Lay Myint

16.30-17.00 DandK Star International (Active Coffee)

Viet Nam Mr. Trung

17:30-18.00 Sarn Fan Organic Company Limited Thailand Ms. Panomporn

Ban Ka-Jeab Cookies were served together with every coffee and tea demos

Thailand

4 June 2017

GMS Stage Show Time Coffee & Tea Show Country Barista/Master Tea pourer 10.30-11.00 Shade Grown Drip Coffee and Latte Art Thailand Ker Prue Too/ Ms.

Sophie/ AFMA 12.00-12.30 DandK Star International (Active Coffee) Viet Nam Mr. Trung 13.00-13.30 Sarn Fan Organic Company Limited Thailand Ms. Panomporn 14.00-14.30 Safe Food from Safe Farms, Organic

PGS Products Shop Myanmar Ms. Su Su Win

16.00-16.30 Genius Coffee Myanmar Mr. Kyai Ko Ko Oo assisted by Ms. Lay Lay Myint

Ban Ka-Jeab Cookies were served together with every coffee and tea demos

Thailand

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APPENDIX 4: POLICY FORUM PROGRAM

4.1. Agenda

Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) as One: “Regional Approaches to Food Safety and Market Access A Policy Forum”

31 May 2017

Amber Room 1, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand

12:30 - 13.30 Registration

13.30 - 13.40 Welcome Remarks Mr. Samran Sarabun Deputy Director General Department of Agricultural Extension, Thailand Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

Opening Remarks Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Officer-in-Charge Thailand Resident Mission Asian Development Bank

13.40 - 14.00 Keynote Address Food Safety and Market Access for GMS Agri-Food Products – Insights from the Experiences of Lao PDR

H.E. Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR

Session 1: Setting the Scene: Harmonizing Food Safety and Food Quality in the GMS for Enhanced Market Access

Moderator for Session 1: Mr. Chris May Managing Director Bioglobal Consultancy Ltd

14.00 - 14.15 Toward harmonizing food safety systems and increasing market access in the Greater Mekong Subregion

- Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Senior Environment Specialist, Asian Development Bank - Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia Director of the Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department, Mekong Institute in Thailand

14.20 - 14.40 Quality Assurance, a Balancing Act - Key Lessons from the European Experience and Discovering Untapped Market Potential in Asia and the EU

Mrs. Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab Head of the Agricultural Quality Standards Unit Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

14.40 - 15.00 Conversations - Dr. Prum Somany, Director of Department of International Cooperation and NSSU Manager, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - Mr. Li Hongtao, Deputy Director General of Foreign Economic Cooperation Center, Ministry of Agriculture, PRC - Mr. Peerachote Charanwong, Managing Director, Merit Food Products Co., Ltd. President, Thailand Organic Trade Association Mr. Vo Minh Khai, General Director, Vien Phu Organic & Health Foods JSC

15.00 - 15.20 Open Forum 15:20 - 15:40 Networking Coffee Break 15.40 - 15.55 Session 2

Small and Medium Agro-Enterprises (SMAEs) in the GMS: Linking Recognition and Market Access

Moderator for Session 2 Mr. Chris May Managing Director, Bioglobal Consultancy Ltd

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Market Program: Pathways for SMAEs to Achieve Recognized Certification and Market Access

Mr. Kishi Katsuki General Manager Quality Management Department, AEON Co., Ltd., Japan

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World of Food Safety Conference Amber Room 2, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand

1 June 2017

15.55 - 16.30 Conversations Dr. Tin Htut, Permanent Secretary, Myanmar Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and

Irrigation Dr. Sochivi Kao, Deputy Director General of Fisheries Administration, Cambodia Mr. Sisouphonh Sihalath, General Director, Dao Heuang Group Co.Ltd Dr. Than Than Sein, Vice Chairman, Myanmar Organic Producers Association Mr. Arrut Navaraj, Managing Director, Sampran Riverside, Thailand Mr. Serge Selbe, Managing Director, Lao Fresh Meat

16:30 - 16:50 Open Forum

16:50 - 17:00 Summing Up and Closing Remarks Mr. Chris May Managing Director, Bioglobal Consultancy Ltd

ADB Special Session: GMS Food Safety Agenda: A Shared Responsibility through Public-Private Collaboration

8:30 - 9:00 Registration

9:00 - 9:05 Welcome Remarks Mr. Winichai Chaemchaeng Vice Minister Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

9:05 - 9:10 Opening Remarks Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Senior Environment Specialist ADB

Session 3 A Shared Responsibility through Public-Private Collaboration

Moderator for the Session: Mr. Anthony M. Zola Senior Researcher, Mekong Environment and Resources Institute (MERI)

9.10 – 9.30 Private-Public Partnerships for Food Safety in the GMS region, A win-win solution

Mr. Pradeep Pant Advisory Board Member Lee Kong Chiang School of Business, Singapore Management University

9:30 – 9.50 Cooperation in Food Safety: Harmonizing Public and Private Interests (2 Views)

Mr. Patrik Jonasson Director Public Policy Asia-Pacific, GS1 Mr. Vichit Krupanyamat General Manager SAI Global, Thailand

9.50 – 10.20 Conversations Ms. Pimpapaan Chansilpa, Advisor to the Thai Minister of Commerce Dr. Kevin Chen, Director of PRC's International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Mr. Ye Min Aung, Managing Director, Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation Limited (MAPCO) Mr. Stephane Passeri, Project Coordinator, FAO/ AFD

10.20 - 10.35 Open Forum

10.35 – 10.40 Summing Up and Closing Remarks Mr. Anthony M. Zola Senior Researcher Mekong Environment and Resources Institute (MERI)

10.40 – 11.00 Networking Coffee Break

11.00 – 16.30 WORLD OF FOOD CONFERENCE SESSIONS (topics) Overview: Driving Global Food Safety Through a Culture of Safety and Verification in

Asia-Pacific Regional Integration of Food Safety in Asia & the Role of the Food Industry

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Sustainability Standards – Driving Food Safety in Rice Advanced Food Processing Technologies to Ensure Safe and Healthy Food Products Sustainability in Supply Chain to Ensure Food Safety Responsible Sourcing to Ensure Food Integrity Background Checks as an Effective Tool to Ensure Quality in the Supply Chain and

Mitigate Food Fraud Industry Strategies for Assuring Food Integrity

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4.2 Policy Forum Speakers

Mrs. Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab Head, Agricultural Quality Standards Unit Economic Cooperation and Trade Division United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Email: Liliana.Annovazzi-Jakab@unece.org

Mrs. Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab is Head of the Agricultural Unit of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The unit is responsible for sustainable quality infrastructure for fresh and dried fruit, nuts and vegetables, meat, and seed potatoes. She manages a pool of 1000 international experts and hosts regular inter-governmental sessions, workshops and training programs worldwide. She also manages field projects, publishes guides and provides policy advice in many countries around the globe. Mrs. Annovazzi-Jakab has worked for over 20 years with international organizations including the UNECE; the United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD); the International Labour Organization (ILO); and the International Trade Centre (ITC). Her focal areas are trade, agriculture/food, public-private partnerships, and trade facilitation. Prior to joining the United Nations, she worked as a lawyer in law firms, government agencies and the media industry. Mrs. Annovazzi-Jakab holds a joint law degree from Mainz University, Germany and Georgetown University, USA and a Master’s degree in International Law from Geneva’s Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.

Mr. Patrik Jonasson Director Public Policy Asia-Pacific GS1 Email: Patrik.jonasson@gs1.org

Mr. Patrik Jonasson is the GS1 Global Office representative in Asia-Pacific. GS1 is a global non-profit organization that develops and manages the world’s most widely used supply chain standards system. He is primarily charged with defining and executing strategies for external engagements in the region. The work focuses primarily on cross-border trade processes, food safety, supply chain integrity and the roles that government policies play in these domains. He regularly engages with external stakeholders at regional levels, and he speaks and moderates frequently at international conferences and meetings and has represented GS1 at UN, WCO, World Bank, ASEAN and APEC as well as at food safety and supply chain conferences and workshops throughout Asia. Mr. Jonasson has 15 years of experience studying and working in Asia-Pacific. He has been based in Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. In previous roles, he represented businesses in trade and investment dialogue with the Governments of ASEAN, working actively on market access and trade issues primarily in support of increased trade and investment ties between the EU and ASEAN. Mr. Jonasson has a Master of Science in Business Administration with Japanese studies from the School of Business, Law & Economics at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He is currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mr. Katsuki Kishi General Manager Quality Management Department, ÆON Co., Ltd., Japan Email: kat_kishi@aeonpeople.biz

Mr. Katsuki Kishi is currently the General Manager of the Quality Management Department at ÆON Co., Ltd. He is responsible for Quality Management for the ÆON Group in Japan and other Asian countries including Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam. He joined ÆON in 2004 as a specialist having previously spent 10 years in the quality control department at a brewing company. Mr. Kishi was also appointed as the GFSI Project Leader at ÆON Co., Ltd. in 2014. Currently, he is a member of the GFSI Board and has led local GFSI activities in Japan since being appointed as the Chair of GFSI Japan Local Group in October 2015. Mr. Kishi holds a Master’s Degree from the Food Chemistry Department within the Graduate School of Agriculture at Kyoto University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the Food Engineering Department of the Faculty of Agriculture at Kyoto University. He also holds an MBA from Keio Business School.

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Mr. Vichit Krupanyamat General Manager SAI Global, Thailand Email: vichit.krupanyamat@saiglobal.com

Mr. Vichit Krupanyamat is the Country Manager and General Manager for SAI Global (Thailand) Ltd. SAI Global is an independent certification body providing services for certification to global standards and training for compliance with ISO9001, 22000, 14001, BRC, IFS, retailer standards and second party audits, among others. He has worked in the food and pet food industries and certification businesses for over 24 years in roles that have included Supervisor, Manager, Lead auditor and Trainer, Director, COO to Country Manager. Mr. Krupanyamat has a Master’s Degree in Food Engineering and a BSc in Agro Industry.

Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia Director of the Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department Mekong Institute in Thailand Email: maria@mekonginstitute.org

Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia is the Director of the Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department at Mekong Institute in Thailand. She joined the Institute with more than 20 years of experience in development work, research, project management, training, and teaching in various disciplines including agricultural marketing, international trade, industrial organization, farming systems/sustainable agriculture, community development, impact assessment, and project monitoring and evaluation. In her current position, she has designed and implemented several capacity development projects which are regional in scope. Prior to joining Mekong Institute, she worked as University Researcher and Affiliate Assistant Professor in the University of the Philippines Los Banos and was on secondment to the International Rice Research Institute and the Philippine’s Department of Agriculture in some years. She has worked mainly in the US, Philippines and Thailand and in some years, in other Asian countries as researcher, trainer, facilitator and technical adviser. She was also involved in consulting work with various international and private organizations. She obtained her BS degree in Agribusiness from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, MS degree in Agricultural Economics from University of Kentucky, USA, and post-graduate diploma in Executive Program in Management from Maastricht School of Management, The Netherlands.

Mr. Pradeep Pant Advisory Board Member Lee Kong Chiang School of Business Email: pradeep@pantconsulting.com

Mr. Pant is a business consultant, an Advisory Board Member of SMU Lee Kong Chiang School of Business and as a Senior Advisor to the Hay Group and McKinsey & Co. He also sits on the Supervisory Boards of Max BUPA Health Insurance India, Antara Senior Living India and Royal DSM N.V. Netherlands, among others. He is the Founding President of Food Industry Asia (FIA). With over 37 years of experience in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry, Mr. Pant is a seasoned business leader, with a proven track record for turning organizations around. He has managed iconic brands across some of the world’s fastest-growing and most complex emerging markets, including in the PRC, India, Russia, Turkey, various countries in the Middle East and ASEAN, and in developed economies such as Australia and New Zealand, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Mr. Pant was Executive Vice President and President of Asia Pacific (AP) and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) for Mondelez International, a company comprised of the global snacking and food brands formerly of Kraft Foods Inc. Before joining Mondelez, he was the Regional Managing Director for Fonterra Brands in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He has also worked for The Gillette Company, Nestle, J Walter Thompson and the Tata group. Mr. Pant holds a Master of Management Studies degree from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Bombay University, and a BA with Honors degree in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University.

Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR

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Email: pppravongviengkham@yahoo.com Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham has worked in the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for over 35 years. He has fulfilled many roles in key policymaking and planning positions within the Ministry. He has also led various research programs on livestock nutrition and fisheries. He has engaged with many development programs and GMS counterparts over his many years of service to the Lao agricultural sector. Dr. Pravongviengkham received his doctorate in Technical Science from the School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, in Bangkok, Thailand and his M. Sc. In Agronomy from the University of Godollo, Hungary.

Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Senior Environmental Specialist South East Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank Email: pramachandran@adb.org

Mr. Pavit Ramachandran is a Senior Environmental Specialist in the South East Asia Department (SERD) of the Asian Development Bank. He has 19 years of experience in integrated natural resource management and agriculture and environment diagnostics, project design, development, management and appraisal. He is currently responsible for the processing and implementation of investment and technical assistance projects covering agriculture, rural development and natural resource sectors in South-east Asia. He has extensive experience working on regional cooperation designing and implementing projects in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), Coral Triangle Initiative, and the Heart of Borneo. His current portfolio includes the GMS Agriculture and GMS Environment Programs administered out of the Thailand Resident Mission in Bangkok. Mr. Ramachandran also serves as agriculture, natural resource and rural development focal point and team leader for ADB’s operations in Myanmar. Mr. Ramachandran has a Masters in Public Management from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Masters from the Delhi School of Economics.

Panelists:

Mrs. Pimpapaan Chansilpa Advisor to the Minister of Commerce Ministry of Commerce, Thailand Email: Pimpapaanc@moc.go.th

Mrs. Pimpapaan Chansilpa has over 15 years experience in the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand. She began as Deputy Director General of DEP and has held various roles including General Inspector of the MOC and CEO of SACiCT public organization. She has undertaken numerous training programs relating to business management, markets and leadership both in Thailand and internationally. Mrs. Chansilpa has a B.S.Econ with honors from Chulalongkorn University and an M.A. Econ from Bridgeport University, Connecticut, USA.

Mr. Peerachote Charanwong (Sam) Managing Director Merit Food Products Co., Ltd. and TOTA Email: sam@meritfood.co.th, www.meritfood.co.th; www.thaiorganiccoconut.com

Mr. Peerachote Charanwong is the founder, owner and managing director of Merit Food Products Co., Ltd., the only integrated grower, manufacturer, and exporter of the organic coconut products in Thailand. Merit is organically certified as both a producer and processor of coconut products in compliance with ACOS, COR, EC834/2007, IFOAM, JAS, SA, USDA NOP, and Organic Brasil Organic Activities. He is also the current chairman of Thai Organic Trade Association (TOTA). In this role he speaks in events on behalf of the Thai organic industry processors and exporters. Mr. Charanwong holds a B.Sc. Food Technology, from the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.

Dr. Kevin Chen Director PRC's International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Email: k.chen@cgiar.org

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Dr. Kevin Chen is a Senior Research Fellow and the China Program Leader for the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). He is also Director of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, jointly run by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and IFPRI. He is currently co-editor of China Agricultural Economic Review and managing editor for Asia of the journal ‘International Food and Agribusiness Management Review’. Dr. Chen was an assistant and associate professor at the Department of Resource Economics and Sociology at the University of Alberta from 1995-2004. He served as an editor for the Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics from 2003-04. He has served as a consultant to many international organizations including the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Asian Development Bank, the European Commission, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). His current research interests include food safety and value chain development in China and Asia, the impact of public policies on China and Asia under rapid economic transformation, modeling the interaction between labor and agricultural markets under rapid urbanization, and the economics of water and climate change adaptation in China.

Mr. Li Hongtao Deputy Director General Foreign Economic Cooperation Center, Ministry of Agriculture, PRC Email: lihongtao@agri.gov.cn

Dr. Li Hongtao has worked in the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture for over 25 years. He has managed and coordinated numerous agricultural development projects and has extensive experience coordinating with international collaborators and partners. Although based primarily in Beijing, he has worked with agriculture sectors throughout China. He also spent two years as the Assistant of the Director General of Department of Agriculture, Yunnan Province. Dr. Hongtao received his Doctoral degree from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, his research focused on agricultural economic management. He received his undergraduate degree from the College of Agricultural and Economic Management, Beijing Agricultural University.

Dr. Sochivi Kao Deputy Director General Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Cambodia Email: kaosochivi2017@gmail.com

Dr. Sochivi Kao’s role encompasses a broad array of fishery management and development areas. Her roles include oversight of marine research and development, fisheries conservation, combatting illegal fishing activities, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. She is also the Chair of the Advisory Board of the Women’s Association in the fisheries sector. She has worked extensively on fishery product safety and quality improvement and assurances, in production and post-harvest. Dr. Kao leads various projects under the ‘One Village, One Product’ in relation to fisheries products, including work with Prahoc in adapting and establishing standards and assurances to promote market access. Dr. Kao has also held various academic positions, including as Visiting Professor at the Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia and Senior Social Research Scientist.

Mr. Arrut Navaraj Managing Director Sampran Riverside Email: arrut@sampranriverside.com

Mr. Arrut Navaraj is the Managing Director of Sampran Riverside. Sampran Riverside is an eco-cultural destination in Nakornpatom, 50km West of Bangkok. Seven years ago, he started to engage with local farmers to promote organic agriculture under the Sampran Model, a dynamic business model developing organic value chains based on fair trade and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Sampran Hotel serves food produced from organic produce from the surrounding farmers, and is also proactive in linking small-scale Thai organic farmers of markets, through their on-site weekend and their marketing and distribution support for access to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and other business interests in Bangkok. He works tirelessly with farmers to improve safety standards and productivity, hosting regular training sessions. Prior to his current role with Sampran Riverside, Mr. Navaraj joined Shell Thailand in 1992 as a supply operations analyst and moved to Natwest Securities in 1994 as stock analyst. He then joined Amata Power in 1996,

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where he spent the next 8 years in project financing before returning home to work for his family business, Sampran Riverside. Mr. Navaraj went to a boarding school in the UK from the age of 11 and graduated with a Master’s Degree in chemical engineering from Imperial College, University of London.

Mr. Stephane Passeri Project Coordinator FAO Email: Stephane.Passeri@fao.org

Mr. Stephane Passeri is currently an Officer of the FAO and Project Coordinator of the FAO/AFD Project on the Promotion of Rural Development through Development of Geographical Indications (GI) at Regional Level in Asia. Mr. Passeri has extensive work experience on intellectual property rights (IPR). Before joining the FAO, he was the Director of the European Patent Office (EPO) EU-ASEAN project on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights (ECAP III Phase 1) and the Administrator of the European Commission-ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Co-operation Programme (ECAP II). In the late 1990s, he was the Commercial Attache and IP Regional Coordinator for Asia-Pacific for the French Ministry of Finance, Economy and Industry. During this period, he was also the Regional Representative of the French National Institute of Industrial Property and coordinated the ASEM IPR Working groups in the region. He has participated directly in the drafting of legislations on IPR, including several pieces of legislation relating to GI, in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Indonesia, among others. Mr. Passeri holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis in France and a post-graduate degree in Finance and Management.

Mr. Serge Selbe Managing Director and Co-Owner Lao Fresh Meats Co., Ltd. Email: sergeselbe@gmail.com

Mr. Serge Selbe has over 25 years professional experience in the food and beverage and hospitality industries internationally. He has worked extensively and a professional chef, restaurateur and hotelier in France, the US and Lao PDR. Having established the well-known Pimenton restaurant in Vietiane in 2013 he went on to build the only fully vertically integrated small/medium-scale pork and beef product supply chain in Lao. Mr. Selbe’s supply chain is pioneering application of international food safety standards, processing and packaging in the production of Laotian and international processed meat products for both the domestic and neighboring GMS markets. Mr. Selbe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Tourist Management from Glion Institute of Higher Education, Glion sur Montreux, Switzerland and a Diploma in Tourism and Commerce form the Academy de Langue et de Commerce, Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Prum Somany Director Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Cambodia Email: prumsomany35@gmail.com

Dr. Prum Somany is a dedicated civil servant and a technical manager of MAFF. In 2016, he was appointed as Director of the Department of International Cooperation, MAFF and concurrently as the Personal Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Director of this Department. He also held more than ten key positions in the Ministry including key positions at National Steering Committee. He serves as the National Focal Point for various programs including for the GMS-Working Group of Agriculture.In 2006, Dr. Somany was the Deputy Director of the Inland Fisheries research and Development Institute (IFReDI) of the Fisheries Administration, MAFF, in charge of Research, Planning and Development. Dr. Somany, obtained his Master’s and PhD degrees in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines, Los Banos. He received the honor of “A lifetime membership of Delta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Student in Agriculture”.

Dr. Than Than Sein Vice Chairman

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Myanmar Organic Grower and Producer Association Email: thanthan.sein@gmail.com Dr. Than Than Sein is currently a visiting professor in Mandalay, Technological University Biotechnology Department. Dr Sein is now focused on organic farming in Myanmar, working on the establishment of PGS certification initiatives. She previously worked as a lecturer in agriculture for 18 years at the State Agriculture Institute and the Yangon Technological University. She has also served as a visiting professor in Mahasarakhan University, Thailand. Dr. Sein holds a PhD in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Camerino, Italy. She also holds a Master of Science in Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand and a B.Ag.

Mr. Sisouphonh Sihalath General Director Dao Heuang Group Co.Ltd Email: sisouphonhshr@gmail.com

Sisouphonh Sihalath is currently the General Manager of Dao Heuang Group Co., Ltd which is now one of the largest and most progressive companies in Lao PDR. DHG is rapidly expanding and is known for developing high quality brands of international standard. One of the group’s main focus is to care for the local communities and citizens where it operates, be a guardian of the environment and act in ways that are friendly and cooperative with other businesses to help the Lao economy grow in line with government policy. Mr. Sihalath used to work at Department of International Fund Transfer and became deputy head of BCEL Savannaketh Branch and head of Executive Chamber Secretariat. He studied in Vientiane capital from 1977 to 1983.

Dr. Tin Htut Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, Myanmar Email: tinhtutagri@gmail.com

As a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI), Dr. Htut coordinates the seven departments within the Ministry, serves as a secretariat for the Minister and assists in the management of MoALI. He currently holds the responsibility of Senior Official Meeting Leader for the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (SOM-AMAF) forum. In 2015, he was appointed as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation before this Ministry became a much larger organization. Dr. Htut has also worked in academic institutions, serving as the Rector of Yezin Agricultural University, while also holding the position of Director General of Department of Planning. As a plant breeder he conducted collaborative work with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on breeding rice varieties resistant to bacterial blight disease. In 2003, he was invited as a research fellow in the IRRI to assist in the genetic analysis of iron-dense grains. Dr. Htut completed his undergraduate degree at Yezin Agricultural University. He obtained his Master of Science in Plant Breeding from University of North Carolina, USA. As an International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Ph.D. scholar, he studied and obtained his PhD on plant breeding at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Dr. Htut was recognized as one of IRRI’s most outstanding alumni in the field of rice research management in 2010.

Mr. Vo Minh Khai Company President and General Director Vien Phu Organic & Health Foods JSC Email: vominhkhai@vienphugreenfarm.com

Recognizing rapidly increasing demand for organic products in both local and global markets, Mr. Vo Minh Khai established Vien Phu Organic & Healthy Foods JSC (Vien Phu) in 2008. With over 30 years of experience in agricultural commodity trading and 12 years working directly in agriculture sector, Mr. Khai has a thorough understanding of the international standards for organic products. He has successfully developed proprietary cultivation technologies, applied a closed production process, and subsequently introduced EU and USDA certified organic products to the Vietnamese market under the brand HOASUAFOODS. Vien Phu is a pioneer in Vietnamese organic farming, owning and operating a 317 ha. farm located in Ca Mau province and integrated supply chain. Vien Phu’s products are grown in a zero-pollution fertile soil

36

environment. Vien Phu is currently planning a 200 ha. expansion of their organic rice production zone, in coordination with local communities. Mr. Khai holds a diploma in Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, and qualifications relating to foreign trade.

Mr. Ye Min Aung Managing Director Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation Limited (MAPCO) Email: md@mapco-ygn.com

Mr. Ye Min Aung is a prominent business figure in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. He is currently the Managing Director of the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO), Secretary General of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (UMFCCI), a Director at the Myanmar Microfinance Institute, a Director at Eden Group, and a Managing Director at Ayeyar Hinthar Group of Companies. He also holds other Executive-Directorate positions in numerous other private companies across a broad range of industries. On top of his private sector involvement, Ye Min Aung is also highly committed working with farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture and rural development sector. He is passionate about youth development and empowerment, and spends much of his time engaging with and motivating the younger generation in Myanmar. Mr. Aung received his M.A. from Yangon University and his Post-Graduate Diploma in Development Studies from the Yangon Institute of Economics.

Moderators:

Mr. Christopher May Managing Director Bioglobal Consultancy Ltd Email: bioglobal.chris@yahoo.co.nz

Since 1992 Christopher May has been Managing Director for Bioglobal Consultancy Ltd. He has been responsible for the design, implementation and team management of many successful projects related to the strengthening of value chains for agricultural products in the Asia-Pacific Region, funded by private companies and various public sector agencies. Mr. May’s specialist work includes engagement with governments to develop policies that are supportive to organic agriculture and food safety and initiatives that support smallholder farmers to enhance the quality of production, value add and market their products. Key products include coffee, vegetables, livestock, wild harvested fruits, bamboo shoots, ginger and coconut sugar and oil, among many others.Specific innovations aimed at addressing pro-poor development include the development of the Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) with IFOAM Organics International, which has now been widely adopted around the world. Mr. May studied in New Zealand, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree at the Auckland University and a post-graduate diploma in Horticultural Science from Lincoln University.

Mr. Anthony M. Zola Senior Researcher Mekong Environment and Resources Institute (MERI) Email: zolaam@gmail.com

Mr. Anthony Zola, a senior researcher at the Mekong Environment and Resources Institute in Bangkok, has extensive experience working on agricultural development in the countries of the GMS, having lived in the subregion since 1970. From 1985 to 2008, Mr. Zola was CEO of MIDAS Agronomics, a Thai agribusiness and consulting enterprise. He has provided policy, planning, and technical assistance on land reform and consolidation; resettlement; agribusiness development; agricultural supply-chains; trade facilitation; trade and environment; and social entrepreneurship. Mr. Zola is also a lenders’ technical advisor to international commercial banks. In this role he audits social and economic entitlements of people impacted by hydropower development in Laos, based on Equator Principles, IFC Performance Standards, and World Bank and ADB Social Safeguards policies. Mr. Zola has a graduate degree in economics from Maxwell School, Syracuse University, New York; an undergraduate degree in international affairs from Elliott School, George Washington University, Washington, DC; and a certificate in French Civilization from the University of Paris, Sorbonne.

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4.3 List of Participants on 31 May No. Name Designation Organization

1 Mr. Anut Visetrojana Deputy Secretary General MOAC-The National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS)

2 Ms. Benjaporn Chakranon Deputy Director General MOAC-Land Development Department

3 Ms. Pattaramart Panpum MOAC-Department of Agricultural Extension

4 Ms. Chatsinee Hankittichai Director, Home Economic and Farm Women Development Group, Farmers Development Division

MOAC-Department of Agricultural Extension

5 Ms. Nitiwadee Arunanurak Director, Community Enterprise Product Development and Promotion Group,Community Enterprise Promotion Division

MOAC - Department of Agricultural Extension

6 Ms. Usa Thongjang Chief of Foreign Relations Group, Planning Division

MOAC-Department of Agricultural Extension

7 Dr. Setapong Lekawatana Vegetable, Floriculture and Herb Promotion Expert

MOAC-Department of Agricultural Extension

8 Mr. Thawatchai Dechachete Acting Expert on International Agricultureal Policy

MOAC-Office of Agricultural Economics

10 Mr. Auttawut Wongwasaruch Policy and Plan Analyst

11 Ms. Pathumwadee Imtour Policy and Plan Analyst MOAC-The National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS)

12 Mr. Piyawat Naigowit Policy and Plan Analyst MOAC-Bureau of Foreign Agricultural Affairs

13 Dr. Sumitra Watane Agriculture Acadamic Officer MOAC-Land Development Department

14 Ms. Wichanee Sriurai Foreign Relations Officer, Planning Division

MOAC - Department of Agricultural Extension

15 Mr. Thanakorn Thongmang Admin Assistant ADB project MOAC-Bureau of Foreign Agricultural Affairs

16 Ms. Margaret C. Yooratann Senior Policy and Plan Specialist

MOAC-Department of Agriculture

17 Mr. Chantha Thipphavongphanh Deputy Director General Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

18 Mr. Bounsy Nanthaphone Secretary Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

19 Mr. Xaypladeth Choulamany DG of Planning and Finance and WGA National Coordinator

Department of Planning and Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

20 Mr. Vinoth Vansy WGA National Focal Point Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

21 Mr. Thavisith Bounyasouk Project Implementer of PGS Bamboo Shoot, in Houaphan Province, DoA, MAF

22 Mr. Somthong Philavanh Deputy Director, Trade Press Division

Trade Promotion Department, MoIC

23 Dr. Thanda Kyi WGA National Coordinator and National Focal Point and Department of Planning Director, ASEAN Division

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation

24 Ms. Than Than Htay Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation

25 Mr. Myint Wai Director of Department of Consumer Affairs

Ministry of Commerce

26 Dr. Khin Zar Kyaw NFP-Strat and Deputy Program Officer of Department of Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation

27 Mr. Theng Dim Deputy Director General Camcontrol, Directorate General, Ministry of Commerce

28 Mr. Mak Mony Deputy Director Department of Planning and Statistics, MAFF

29 Mr. Chantha Roeun Chief Of International Organization Affair office

International Cooperation Department of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)

30 Mr. Sengkong Chhrien Director of Department of Accreditation

General Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry and Handicraft

31 Mr. Zhu Zidong Division Director FECC-MOA

32 Mr. Zhu Jiali Official Divison of Asian and African Affairs,

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No. Name Designation Organization

Deparment of International Cooperation, MOA

33 Mr. Zhao Gang Section Chief Division of Planning, Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture

34 Sukanya Manoi Department of Agricultural Extension

35 Chusak Naekprasit University Lecture Bangkok Thonburi University

36 Chen Kevin China Program Leader and Senior Research Fellow

International Food Policy Research Institute

37 Sonkaseunm Bodhisane D.G. Lao Farmer Products

38 Siybtgibe Siridsck DMD Loa

39 Watcharas Leelawath ED Mekong Institute

40 Cristina Liamzon Faculty Atened School of Gov’t

41 Keiangkrai Thitimakorn Program Manager Embassy of Sweden

Embassy of Sweden

42 Erich Parpart Press Bangkok Post

43 Wayne Nelles Canadian Visiting Scholar Chulalongkorn University School of Agricultural Resources (CUSAR)

44 Ms. Win Pa Pa Thein Agriculture University Student Yezin Agricultural University

45 Dr. Yang Yong Associate Professor Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

46 Ms. Li Min Researcher Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

47 Thlang Soram Disey Eco-Agri Co., Ltd.

48 Bui Ninh Giap Economist ADB

49 Patrik Jonasson Director of Public Policy International Asia Pacific

GS1 Global Office

50 Anthony Zola Senior Researcher Mekong Environment and Resources Institute (MERI)

51 Benjarat Sinsaligva Samparn Model

52 Mr. Vichit Krupanyamat General Manager SAI Global

53 Mr. Samran Sarabun Deputy Director General Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand

54 H.E. Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham

Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR

55 Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia Director of the Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department

Mekong Institute in Thailand

56 Mrs. Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab Head of the Agricultural Quality Standards Unit

Economic Cooperation and Trade Division United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

57 Mr. Kishi Katsuki General Manager Quality Management Department, AEON Co., Ltd., Japan

58 Dr. Prum Somany Director Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Cambodia

59 Mr. Li Hongtao Deputy Director General Foreign Economic Cooperation Center, Ministry of Agriculture, PRC

60 Mr. Peerachote Charanwong Managing Director / President

Merit Food Products Co., Ltd. / Thailand Organic Trade Association

61 Mr. Vo Minh Khai Company President and General Director

VienPhu Organic & Health Foods JSC, Viet Nam

62 Dr. Tin Htut Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Myanmar

63 Dr. Sochivi Kao Deputy Director General Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Cambodia

64 Mr. SisouphonhSihalath General Director Dao Heuang Group Co., Ltd. Lao PDR

65 Dr. Than Than Sein Vice Chairman Myanmar Organic Grower and Producers Association, Myanmar

66 Mr. Arrut Navaraj Managing Director Sampran Riverside, Thailand

67 Mr. Serge Selbe Managing Director & Co-Owner Lao Fresh Meat Co., Ltd.

68 Mr. Chris May Managing Director Bioglobal Consultancy Ltd.

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No. Name Designation Organization

69 Mr. Do Quoc Hung Deputy Director General International Cooperation Department, MARD

70 Mr. Nguyen Ann Minh Deputy Director General International Cooperation Department, MARD

71 Mr. Nguyen Huy Phuc Head of Agro-Products Market Department

IPSARD, MARD

72 Mr. Nguyen Thanh Dam WGA National Focal Point ICD, MARD

73 Mr. Dinh Dieu Ha Officer Agriculture Trade Promotion Agency, MARD

74 Ms. Fatima Arkin Foreign Journalist DEVSCI

75 Heng Khiow Boong Manager Mastrade Enterprise

76 Hien Thi Thu Ngo PhD Student Thammasat University

77 Isabelle Vagneron Researcher CIRAD

78 Mr. Kosal Houn Program Coordinator Caritas Organization

79 Mr. Li Changqing Section Chief Office of Rural Energy, Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture

80 Liang Li Foreign Expert Thammasat University

81 Ms. Liao Defang Assistant Researcher Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute

82 Ngwe Tun Founder/Director Aung Nay Lin Htun Co., Ltd./Genius Shan Highiands Coffee

83 Nishant Director Enafrica

84 Mr. Nyan Lin Managing Director Shan Maw Myae Co., Ltd.

85 Ms. Phang Chantha Production Manager Khmer Mekong Food Co., Ltd.

86 Renaud Guillonnet Researcher-ALiSEA GRET

87 Shaun Waits CEO Lors Thmey l iDE

88 Dr. Soe Tun President Myanmar Farmers Association

89 Sukanya Chomvana Marketing OMIC

90 Theeraphat Tepphan Managing Director GREENGROWTHORGANICS CO., LTD.

91 Dr. Toe Nandar Tin Vice President Myanmar Fisheries Association

92 Mr. Tu Thi Tuyet Nhung Head of Viet Nam PGS Network Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association

93 Vu Huy Phuc Researcher Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development-Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Viet Nam

94 Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Senior Environment Specialist ADB

95 Ms. Lourdes S. Adriano Team Leader /Agricultural Program Manager

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

96 Mr. Francesco Goletti Policy Framework & Capacity Building Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

97 Mr. Edgar Valenzuela Communication & Knowledge Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

98 Ms. Georginia Lim Nepomuceno Regional Cooperation Specialist CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

99 Ms. SomphavanhNakhavong Data & Indicators Specialist CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

100 Mr. Apichai Thirathon Agronomist CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

101 Ms. Vichelle Roaring-Arunsuwannakorn

Trade Facilitation Specialist CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

102 Ms. Phuong Ha Pham Gender Specialist CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

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No. Name Designation Organization

103 Ms. Cynthia Gonzales-Razon Project Implementation Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

104 Ms. Phengkhouane Manivong Project Economist CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

105 Ms. Juraporn Sinlapharojanapich Administrative Assistant CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

106 Mr. Suchat Katima Environment Program Manager / Team Leader

CEP, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

107 Mr. Ongarj Ritthongpitak IT Specialist CEP, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

***************************

World of Food Safety Conference

1 June 2017, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand List of Participants

No. Name Designation Organization

1 Chusak Narkprasit University Lecturer Bangkokthonburi University 2 Dusit Athinuwat TOAF PGS committee TOAF PGS 3 Heng Khiow Boong Manager Mastrade Enterprise 4 Isabelle Vagneron Researcher CIRAD 5 Maria Theresa Medialdia Mekong Institute 6 Narumon Kongton Manager National Food Institute 7 Ngwe TUN Founder Aung Nay Lin Htun Co., Ltd 8 Renaud Guillonnet Researcher - ALiSEA GRET 9 Sukanya Chomvana Marketing OMIC

10 Theeraphat Tepphan Managing Director Green Growth Organics Co. Ltd. 11 Paoloregel Samonte Program Officer Mekong Institute 12 Jintana Indramongala Secretary Thai Organic Foundation

13 Mr. Chantha Roeun Chief of Internal Organization Affair office and NFP-Stra (Alternate)

14 Mr. Kosal Houn Program Coordinator Caritas Organization

15 Mr. Mak Mony Deputy Director Department of Planning and Statistics, MAFF

16 Ms. Phang Chantha Production Manager Khmer Mekong Food Co. Ltd.

17 Dr. Prum Somany Director and Personal Assistant to Minister

Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

18 Mr. Sengkong Chhrien Director of Department of Accreditation

General Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry and Handicraft

19 Dr. Sochivi Kao Deputy Director General of Fisheries Administration

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

20 Mr. Theng Dim Deputy Director General Camcontrol, Directorate General, Ministry of Commerce

21 Ms. Thlang Sovann Pisey Executive Director Eco-Agri Co 22 Rachana Kheng Assistant to Director Eco-Agri Co., Ltd.

23 H.E. Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham

Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

24 Mr. Bounsy Nanthaphone Secretary Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

25 Mr. Chantha Thipphavongphanh Depyty Director General Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

26 Mr. Serge Selbe Managing Director Lao Fresh Meats

27 Mr. Sisouphonh Sihalath Managing Director Dao-Heuang Coffee

28 Mr. Somthong Philavanh Deputy Director, Trade Press Division

Trade Promotion Department, MoIC

29 Mr. Soukaseum Bodhisane Advisor to the President and Director General

Lao Farmers Products Export-Import Co., LTD

30 Mr. Sounthone Sirisack Deputy Managing Director Beer Lao Brewery Co., Ltd

31 Mr. Thavisith Bounyasouk Project Implementer of PGS Bamboo Shoot, in Houaphan Province, DoA, MAF

32 Mr. Vinoth Vansy WGA National Focal Point Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

33 Mr. Xaypladeth Choulamany DG of Planning and Finance and WGA National Coordinator

Department of Planning and Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

34 Dr. Tin Htut Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation

35 Dr. Khin Zar Kyaw NFP-Strat and Deputy Program Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation

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No. Name Designation Organization

Officer of Department of Agriculture

36 Mr. Myint Wai Director of Department of Consumer Affairs

Ministry of Commerce

37 Mr. Nyan Lin Managing Director Shan Maw Myae Co. Ltd

38 Dr. Soe Tun President Myanmar Farmers Association

39 Ms. Than Than Htay Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation

40 Dr. Than Than Sein Vice Chairman Myanmar Organic Grower and Producer Association, Institute of Environment, Resources and Development

41 Dr. Thanda Kyi

WGA National Coordinator and National Focal Point and Department of Planning Director, ASEAN Division

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation

42 Ms. Thida Tun Group Leader PGS Farmers Group

43 Dr. Toe Nandar Tin Vice President Myanmar Fisheries Association 44 Ms. Win Pa Pa Thein Yerin Agricultural University

45 Mr. Li Changqing Section Chief Office of Rural Energy, Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture

46 Mr. Li Hongtao Deputy Director General Foreign Economic Cooperation Center, Ministry of Agriculture

47 Ms. Liao Defang Assistant Researcher Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute

48 Dr. Yang Yong Associate Professor Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

49 Mr. Zhao Gag Section Chief Division of Planning, Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture

50 Mr. Zhu Jiali Official Divison of Asian and African Affairs, Deparment of International Cooperation, MOA

51 Mr. Zhu Zidong Division Director FECC-MOA

52 Ms. Li Min Researcher Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

53 Ms. Dinh Dieu Ha Officer Agriculture Trade Promotion Agency, MARD 54 Mr. Do Quoc Hung Deputy Director General Asia Pacific Market Department, MoIT 55 Dr. Le Thi Huyen Duong General Director Intergreen Joint Stock Company 56 Mr. Nguyen Ann Minh Deputy Director General International Cooperation Department, MARD

57 Mr. Nguyen Huy Phuc Head of Agro-Products Market Department

IPSARD, MARD

58 Mr. Nguyen Thanh Dam WGA National Focal Point ICD MARD 59 Mr. Tran Minh Chien Director VinaGAP Limited (Bac Tom) 60 Ms. Tu Tuyet Nhung Head of Viet Nam PGS Network Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association 61 Mr. Vo Minh Khai General Director Vien Phu Organic & Health Foods JSC

62 Mr. Preecha Wongsgulgeard Director Office of Agricultural Strategy Research Evaluation & Special Affairs Promote

63 Mr. Sowat Artornmetanee Foreign Relations Officer Office of Agricultural Strategy Research Evaluation & Special Affairs Promote

64 Mr. Kevin Chen China Program Leader and Senior Research Fellow

International Food Policy Research Institute

65 Mr. Pradeep Pant Advisory Board Member Lee Kong Chiang School of Business, National University of Singapore

66 Mr. Peerachote Charanwong General Manager of Merit Food Products Co. Ltd and President

Merit Food Products Co. Ltd. and Thailand Organic Trade Association

67 Ms. Pimpapaan Chansilpa Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Commerce

Ministry of Commerce

68 Mr. Vichit Krupanyamat General Manager SAI Global

69 Dr. Winichai Chaemchaeng Vice Minister Ministry of Commerce

70 Mr. Arrut Navaraj Managing Director Sampran

71 Mr. Kishi Katsuki Vice President Aeon (GFSI)

72 Mr. Patrik Jonasson Director of Public Policy International Asia Pacific

GS1 Global Office

73 Mr. Kriangkrai Thitimakorn Programme Officer Environment, Climate and Energy, Embassy of Sweden

74 Ms. Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab Head, Agricultural Quality Standards Unit

Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

75 Mr. Stephane Passeri Project Coordinator, Promotion of Rural Development

FAO-RAP

76 Ms. Fatima Arkin Foreign Journalist Foreign Journalist

77 Mr. Patrick Deboyser Minister Counsellor Health and Food Safety

EU Delegation

78 Mr. Giap Minh Bui Economist ADB

79 Ms. Watcharas Leelawath Executive Director Mekong Institute

80 Ms. Jintana Indramangala Committee Member Thai Organic Agriculture Foundation

81 Antony Zola Senior Researcher Mekong Environment and Resources Institute (MERI)

82 Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Senior Environment Specialist ADB

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No. Name Designation Organization

83 Ms. Lourdes S. Adriano Team Leader /Agricultural Program Manager

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

84 Mr. Francesco Goletti Policy Framework & Capacity Building Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

85 Mr. Edgar Valenzuela Communication & Knowledge Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

86 Ms. Georginia Lim Nepomuceno Regional Cooperation Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

87 Ms. Somphavanh Nakhavong Data & Indicators Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

88 Mr. Apichai Thirathon Agronomist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

89 Ms. Vichelle Roaring-Arunsuwannakorn

Trade Facilitation Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

90 Ms. Phuong Ha Pham Gender Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

91 Ms. Cynthia Razon Project Implementation Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

92 Ms. Phengkhouane Manivong Project Economist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

93 Ms. Juraporn Sinlapharojanapich Administrative Assistant

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

94 Mr. Ongarj Ritthongpitak IT Specialist

CEP, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand

95 Ludovic Pommier M&E and Information Services Specialist

CASP2, GMS-EOC, 23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan 958Bangkok, Thailand

96 Moniratana Mao Project Implementation Specialist for Cambodia

CASP2

*****************************************

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APPENDIX 6: MEDIA RELEASES

ADB Website 1. English: https://www.adb.org/news/adb-promotes-harmonized-food-safety-market-access-gms 2. Thai: https://www.adb.org/th/news/adb-promotes-harmonized-food-safety-market-access-gms GMS Secretariat WEBSITE: https://www.greatermekong.org/adb-promotes-harmonized-food-safety-market-access-gms https://www.greatermekong.org/mekong-countries-showcase-environment-friendly-agriculture-bangkok http://www.greatermekong.org/mekong-countries-showcase-environment-friendly-agriculture-bangkok The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/30316860 http://xpress.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/30316860 SciDev.Net SciDev.Net: http://www.scidev.net/asia-pacific/health/news/mekong-countries-food-safety-adb-gms-program-forum-2017.html Observe Asia: http://observe.asia/2017/05/31/5596nd Finchannel.com https://www.finchannel.com/business/65232-adb-promotes-harmonized-food-safety-market-access-in-gms Thailand sites http://www.thailandcurrent.com/english-press-releases/discover-gms-asias-natural-hub-at-THAIFEX-2017/ http://www.thaipr.net/products/782247 http://www.thaipr.net/products/782248 http://thailand.shafaqna.com/EN/TH/524365 http://www.ryt9.com/s/prg/2655690 http://www.thailand4.com/.biz/2017-05-29/57d10ddd32c2aa7efc8068885738757c/ http://www.plan.doae.go.th/userfiles/DOAE_Announce_THAIFEX_GMS_2017_sug.pdf Bangkok Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=111980 http://www.thaitradeusa.com/home/?p=22446 Mekong Institute site: - includes link to draft paper http://www.mekonginstitute.org/news-activities/detail/2017/06/02/mi-participates-in/ Alisea http://ali-sea.org/great-mekong-subregion-at-THAIFEX-2017-safe-and-environment-friendly-agro-based-value-chains/ http://www.gms-eoc.org/uploads/resources/1198/attachment/Discover%20GMS-Asias-Natural-Hub-brochure.pdf

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MAF Lao PDR: http://www.maf.gov.la/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Save-the-date-for-translation.pptx Other links: http://bestfoodsciencejobs.com/2017/06/06/adb-promotes-harmonised-food-safety-market-access-for-gms/ http://observe.asia/2017/05/31/5596 https://www.nicct.nl/new/adb-promotes-harmonized-food-safety-market-access-in-gms/ http://www.4-traders.com/news/ADB-Asian-Development-Bank-Promotes-Harmonized-Food-Safety-Market-Access-in-GMS--24512737/ Viet Nam http://www.agritrade.com.vn/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=5704&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 Post event press release from Koelmesse The post-event press and other materials from the Main Events Organizer, Koelmesse can be accessed here. Photos from MOAC Photographer https://1drv.ms/f/s!AogHEKGf0WvjnRaGObTkRxLx6dAp

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APPENDIX 7: M&E FORMS/RESULTS

1. Policy Forum evaluation

Table 1.1 Policy forum participants Participant group Frequency Percent

Expected participants 108 100 Online registration 97 90 Onsite registration (actual participants) 93 86 Expected respondents 82 100 Questionnaire received 56 68

Table 1.2 Profile of the policy forum respondents

Category Item

Frequency Percent

Cumulative

Percent

Organization

Government 28 50.0 50.0

International Organization/NGO 4 7.1 57.1

Own Business 5 8.9 66.1

University/School 4 7.1 73.2

Large Company 9 16.1 89.3

SMEs 2 3.6 92.9

Farmer group 2 3.6 96.4

House Wife 2 3.6 100.0

Gender Male 37 66.1 66.1

Female 18 32.1 98.2

No response 1 1.8 100.0

Nation Non-GMS 6 10.7 13.3

GMS 39 69.6 86.7

No response 11 19.6 100.0

Table 1.3 Cut-off for satisfaction ranking of Forum contents (1-5)

No. Satisfaction Score 1 Poor ≤ 1.8 2 Less than satisfaction 1.9 – 2.6 3 Satisfaction 2.7 – 3.4 4 Very good 3.5 – 4.2 5 Excellent ≥ 4.2

Table 1.4 Cut-off for satisfaction of meeting organization (1-3)

No. Satisfaction Score 1 Poor ≤ 1.66 2 Appropriate 1.67 – 2.33 3 Excellent ≥ 2.34

Table 1.5 Overall rating of Policy Forum participants

Item Minimum Maximum Sum Mean

Forum Content 2.89 5.00 225.92 4.0343

Forum Organization 1.71 3.00 130.19 2.5037

Session 1 3.00 5.00 222.00 4.0364

Session 2 2.00 5.00 211.00 3.9074

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Figure 1.1 Perception of Policy forum participants

2. GMS Pavilion visitors: Table 2.1 Profile of the pavilion visitors respondents

Category Item

Frequency Percent

Cumulative

Percent

Gender Male 317 46.5 46.5

Female 364 53.5 100.0

Nation Non-GMS 169 24.8 24.8

GMS 512 75.2 100.0

Age group >45 yrs 142 20.9 20.9

16-25 yrs 103 15.1 36.0

26-35 yrs 229 33.6 69.6

36-45 yrs 207 30.4 100.0

Organization Government 92 13.5 13.5

International Organization/NGO 105 15.4 28.9

Own Business 203 29.8 58.7

University/School 64 9.4 68.1

Large Company 91 13.4 81.5

SMEs 6 .9 82.4

Cooperative 10 1.5 83.8

Farmer group 43 6.3 90.2

House Wife 51 7.5 97.7

Other 16 2.3 100.0

Table 2.2 Perceptions of GMS pavilion visitors

(Unit: %) Item Yes No No opinion Not seen

Ever visited Thaifex before 52.6 47.4 Like Pavilion design 91.6 8.4 Many products in one GMS pavilion is an interesting place to see

89.7 8.2 2.1

Like GMS video 12.1 1.6 86.3 Like GMS product catalogue 34.1 2.2 63.7

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Table 2.3 Information channel of Pavilion visitors

Heard about Thaifex from Frequency Percent

Internet/Social media 355 45.8%

Newspaper/TV/Radio/Media 91 11.7%

Friend 158 20.4%

Business partners 131 16.9%

Other 40 5.2%

Table 2.4 Popular products in the pavilion

Heard about Thaifex from Frequency Percent

Rice/grains/cereals 179 19.1%

Meat products 92 9.8%

Seafood 255 27.2%

Fruits 206 22.0%

Vegetables 68 7.2%

Coffee/tea/infusion 72 7.7%

Condiments/spices 31 3.3%

Consumer goods 28 3.0%

Other 7 .7% 3. Chef show audiences:

Table 3.1 Perceptions of cooking demonstration audiences

(Unit: %) Item Yes No No opinion Not seen No response

Attended GMS cooking demonstration before

63.0 32.6 4.3

Like the cooking demonstration 95.7 4.3 Taste the food 95.7 4.3 Saw the GMS pavilion 82.6 13.0 4.3 Like GMS pavilion 67.4 4.3 10.9 17.4 Like GMS product catalogue 32.6 52.2 15.2 Like the GMS video 15.2 2.2 84.8 4.3 4. Exhibitors:

Table 4.1 Exhibitors profile

Category Item Frequency Percent

Country Cambodia 6 17.1

Lao PDR 5 14.3

Myanmar 5 14.3

PR China 3 8.6

Thailand 11 31.4

Viet Nam 5 14.3

Total 35 100.0

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Type of Exhibitors Cooperative 3 8.6

Farmer group 6 17.1

Large company 2 5.7

PGS Network 1 2.9

SME 23 65.7

Total 35 100.0

Market type Domestic market 30 56.6

Export market 23 43.4

Total 53 100.0

Table 4.2 Information channel of Exhibitors

Heard about Thaifex from Frequency Percent

Internet/Social media 9 19.1%

Newspaper/TV/Radio/Media 3 6.4%

Friend 3 6.4%

Business partners 14 29.8%

Government 8 17.0%

CASP2/ADB 10 21.3%

Table 4.3 Perception of GMS Exhibitors

(Unit: %) Item Yes No Not really

Participated in Thaifex before 37.1

62.9

Help growing business 100.0 GMS is the right approach 91.4 8.6 GMS branding will result in higher growth and recognition

94.3 5.7

Like pavilion design 94.3 5.7 will participate in the pavilion again 97.1 2.9 Like product catalogue 94.3 2.9 2.9 will use product catalogue to promote your products

91.4 5.7 2.9

Table 4.4 Output from participating in the thaifex

# of business deals Frequency Percent

< 10 14 40.0

> 20 4 11.4

10-20 12 34.3

No response 5 14.3

Total 35 100.0

Table 4.5.1 Meeting expectation of Exhibitors

Item N Minimum Maximum Mean

Meeting expectations 33 3 5 4.42

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Table 4.5.2 Cut-off for the expectation interval: No. Satisfaction Score 1 Not at all ≤ 1.8 2 No 1.9 – 2.6 3 Not really 2.7 – 3.4 4 Yes 3.5 – 4.2 5 Yes, beyond my expectations ≥ 4.2

Table 4.6 Sources of the products

Category Item Frequency Percent

Sourcing of products Home country 35 100%

Other countries 3 8.7%

Total 35 100%

Will source from other

country

Yes 18 51.4

No 15 42.9

No response 2 5.7

Total 35 100.0

Opinion changed Yes 30 85.7

No 4 11.4

Not really 1 2.9

Total 35 100.0

5. Chefs:

Table 5.1 Perception of GMS Chefs (Unit: %) Item Yes Yes, a little bit No response

Cooking demonstration is a good idea 100 Cooking demonstration can attract more people to the pavilion

100

Like cooking stage and design 100 Ingredients problem 33.3 66.7 use ingredients from the pavilion 100 Satisfied with cooking 83.3 16.7 Like GMS products in pavilion 100 Like product catalogue 100

The catalogue is useful and informative 100

Like GMS video 100 6. Business matching:

Table 6.1 Profile of Exhibitors

Category Item Frequency Percent

Market type Domestic 1 25

Import-Export 2 50

Both 1 25

Total 4 100

Acquired standard Yes 16 59.3

50

No 11 40.7

Total 27 100.0 Table 6.2 Profile of Traders

Category Item Frequency Percent

Nation Non-GMS 10 37.0

GMS 15 55.6

No response 2 7.4

Total 25 100.0

Type of company Retail shop 8 17.4%

Medium business 3 6.5%

Whole sale 13 28.3%

Export 12 26.1%

Food processor 7 15.2%

Restaurant 1 2.2%

Hotel 2 4.3%

Total 46 100.0%

Required standard No 11 40.7

Yes 14 51.9

No response 2 7.4

Total 27 100.0 Table 6.3 Obstacles of the business deals

Main obstacle Frequency Percent

No obstacle 1 3.8%

No compliant standard 2 7.7%

Prices are not satisfied 3 11.5%

High freight 1 3.8%

Too complicated custom

procedures

3 11.5%

Size/volume of order 13 50.0%

Others 3 11.5%

Total 26 100.0% Table 6.4 Perceptions of Exhibitors and Traders (Unit: %)

Item Exhibitor Traders

Yes No Yes No

Business matching is a good approach 100 100

All GMS products in one place is a good idea 63.0 37.0 63.0 37.0

GMS pavilion can attract more and bigger trade 100 100

Like product catalogue 63.0 37.0

The catalogue is useful and informative 88.9 11.1

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ANNEX 8 - Thaifex 2017 Interviews to be listed as Impact Stories from CASP2 in website

Natural Garden Store, Cambodia Natural Garden was started in 2008 and produces, distributes and retails high quality organic rice and chemical-free vegetables, fruits and other healthy products. Well-known and regarded by the public, Natural Garden owns three farms, four stores in Phnom Penh and has an online distribution channel. This enables them to manage the supply chain from the production side to the shopping basket. For production, Natural Garden provides their Khmer farmer producers technical assistance and in-kind support. They are able to increase job opportunities in various levels of the value chain as they create market opportunities, promote fair trade and different income generating activities.. The organic rice and chemical-free vegetables are certified by the Cambodian Organic Agriculture Association (COrAA). Aurelien says that the good name and good reputation of Natural Garden is what is most important for the enterprise to grow as consumers familiar with the brand and now for ten years. They now have about 60 staff members and expecting to grow and open new stores in the future.

Natural Gold Palm Sugar in Cambodia Natural Gold Palm Sugar produces high quality palm sugar in Cambodia. Ket Chet, the dynamic and youthful entrepreneur explained that he selected the Palm Tree as this is also symbol of the country. He works with other small farmers and he said that harvesting the toddy to make the palm sugar is a very risky business. Nevertheless the palm sugar is a very healthy product which can be used by everyone, even those with high sugar levels. It is a natural superfood, has a low glycemic index and can be taken by diabetics. He works with other farmers in a cooperative and together they are able to generate a volume of 40 tons per year which are then distributed to some 85 supermarkets and 25 establishments like restaurants and other food enterprises. At the moment he is running the business and promoting it too. The brand is familiar to consumers who look for organic products. He said as the product becomes better known, investments in storage would be useful and an ongoing advocacy for organic products be done. One of his hopes for the future as a social entrepreneur is to build a social insurance fund for the farmers and workers in this industry so as to provide some social protection and a safety net for farmers and workers. He said the exposure from the GMS Pavilion at Thaifex 2017 was a great help to get to know other potential buyers from other countries. He also would like to get into the export market as he has a good product.

Sinouk Sisombat, Lao PDR coffee and plantation resort Sinouk coffee is a rich blend of coffee named after its founder who spent his formative years in France where he developed a passion for coffee. For him, coffee is a convivial drink and it goes beyond drinking the coffee. He returned to Lao PDR and eventually organized the Lao PDR Coffee Association to promote the production, processing and marketing of coffee. A few years ago, he was involved in organizing a festival to showcase Lao coffee. Sinouk maintains his own coffee plantation to control the quality of the coffee beans produced and he has also developed a range of coffee processing roasts – including mild and strong blends to cater to a wider range of connoisseurs and gourmands and the consuming public as well as the export market. The coffee’s special quality its organic certification.

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Sinouk exports green coffee beans and aside from his own production, he also buys coffee from the other local farmers. Currently Sinouk coffee shop has about 15 outlets and supplies coffee as whole bean, ground, and in capsule form and is innovating packaging for drip coffee. Sinouk has converted his coffee plantation as a resort for tourists now called Sinouk Coffee Resort for those who want to stay in an agrarian setting. Sinouk is proud to have contributed to the development of a Lao PDR brand of coffee. His hope for the future is he gets his coffee certified as a Geographic Indication (GI) product.

Genius Highlands Coffee, Myanmar Social Enterprise with a Mission. Coffee production began in late 2012, as an income generating project to replace poppy production among the indigenous farmers in Southern Shan State. This coffee product goes through the entire supply chain: from seed to cup. The company works with a hundred coffee growers who are members of the Danu Hill Tribe. with the roasting, distribution and café based in Yangon. Its specialty blends are sold as well in hotels and other coffee shops. Its activities include franchises whose training includes a Genius Barista Bootcamp to ensure that franchise owners are able to provide excellent coffee experience. A tour is likewise offered to showcase the Myanmar Supply chain coffee. It enjoys organic certification in the EU and the USA and uses PGS methods. As an award-winning, fair trade social enterprise, 10 percent of the company’s profit is contributed to the growers, the workers and the communities that it works with. It currently exports to Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia. The Thaifex experience provided a genuine experience to get exposed to neighboring GMS countries as well as to the rest of the world.

Nara Green Tea, Myanmar As a leading tea manufacturer in Myanmar, the National International Commercial Enterprise, Ltd produces green teas to substitue for poppy production in three states: Kachin, Shan and Chin States, helping over a thousand indigenous families in these states. Its main products are the Nara organic green tea planted in over 600 hectares and an annual output of 10 tons. Its Chin Mountain organic green tea is one of the famous teas in the country grown at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level in the Chin State which is among the least developed areas in Myanmar. Now it exports to France, Australia and Republic of Korea. It is ironic that they do not export to Japan even if the initial grant came from Nara City, hence the name of the tea, due to Japanese quality control standards but they are hoping one day they will can do so. The company also produces pickled tea, a highly nutritious and popular snack or dessert, playing an important role in the socio-economic life of the people. Pickled tea is said to give an alert feeling for work and study. The GMS Thaifex exposure was good for the company and they hope they will get new sales orders.

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PGS in Viet Nam The VOAA is an umbrella organization – a civil society organization (CSO), of individual experts, consumers, producers and corporate entities involved in the organic agricultural movement and the entire food value chain– from organic production, processing, business, services, import and export, and organic product consumption in Vietnam. Amongst the organic cultivation approaches and systems ever introduced and applied in Vietnam, the PGS, a viable guarantee system based on the involvement of people/organisations directly involved in the organic supply chains, witnesses most positive revolutions since first introduction. The PGS certification was first developed in Vietnam under the Agriculture Development Denmark Asia- Vietnam Farmer’s Union (ADDA – VNFU) Organic Agriculture Project from 2008. The PGS involved producer groups, consumers, supporting organizations (NGOs) as well as organic trade companies. A group of IFOAM experts led by Chris May with funding of TA-8163 gave a stimulus to the process by organizing valuable technical training courses for the farmers and formulate a PGS production manual to facilitate the implementation and application. All the coordination, support and certification for the PGS value chains are facilitated by Vietnam PGS Network under VOAA. Vietnam PGS is member of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Its PGS Organic Standards for Producers cover both crop production and animal production with separate standards developed for handling, processing, and retailing. “Together, these standards enable the Vietnam PGS to give certification service for organic fruits and vegetables produced from farm up to the final sale to consumers.” Through the PGS system, all the stakeholders have to work together. The farmers go through a rigorous three month training using IFOAM standard and are linked to committed retailers through contract farming. Today the volume of PGS organic products is about 700 tons per year. Farmers are interested in organic farming even if they have to pay membership dues to the association but they benefit more, both economically and socially. The challenge for the future will be in the policy and governance as standards have to be monitored for ongoing quality control. So far so good their quality mark is recognized by consumers and the CASP2 has given them a wonderful opportunity to display their products at Thaifex 2017. Further information can be seen in www.vietnamorganic.net.