GTZ and Pollution Control Department Jointly Formulate Clean Air Action Plans 31/Aug/2010

Bangkok: 1 September 2010 - German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and ASEAN Secretariat cooperatively implement the project on Clean Air for Smaller Cities in the ASEAN Region by empowering local communities to develop municipal air quality management plans.  In order to formulate a comprehensive action plan, facts on pollution control problems will be assessed in every dimension.  In Thailand, GTZ jointly implement the project with the Pollution Control Department (PCD). They have selected Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima Municipalities to participate in the project.

Seven countries participate in the Clean Air for Smaller Cities in the ASEAN Region Project are Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam.  The duration of the first phase of the project, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is 4 years (2009-2012).

Mr. Roland Haas, GTZ Principal Advisor/Project Director revealed that “Objectives of the Clean Air for Smaller Cities in the ASEAN Region Project are to support and empower municipalities to develop and implement air quality management plans with participation from stakeholders and to assist in identifying both international and domestic funding sources for the implementation of the action plans.  The 4 key project concepts are; i) developing the sense of ownership among participating municipalities, which is the key success factor of air quality management for its city, ii) strengthening municipalities’ knowledge by local and international technical experts, iii) promoting on public participation, and iv) implementing practical measures under the municipalitie’s control (or the “Low Hanging Fruit Approach”).

“Furthermore, capacity building to the cities’ personnel is a must. Stakeholder agencies and local universities will benefit from learning by doing with assistance from the international and PCD experts in the development of the Clean Air Plan. For long term support, the project has specially developed a training course for a variety of target groups such as Mayors, Chief Administrative, Technical Officer, media and NGOs. We aim to distribute the courses toward the training centers in the country.” added Mr. Haas.

Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana, PCD Director General said “PCD is pleased to collaborate with GTZ on the implementation of the project to improve the air quality of Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima – a crucial step that contributes to better environment and quality of life for local people.  PCD and GTZ recently jointly hosted the first National Workshop on Development of Clean Air for Smaller Cities to present the project’s implementation progress in Thailand and to share the municipalities’ knowledge and experiences in dealing with air pollution. Workshop participants will understand key problems and appropriate approaches to develop clean and sustainable cities.”

  Press-Release_National Workshop_English-Version (188.0 Kb)

  Press-Release_National Workshop_Thai-Version (269.0 Kb)

NSTDA and GTZ Jointly Strengthen Tapioca Starch Industry Competitiveness 16/Aug/2010

Bangkok: 16 August 2010 – The Capacity Building on Energy and Resource Efficiency for Thai Native Starch Industry Project, collaboratively implemented by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), recently held a workshop for tapioca starch industry personnel.  Trainers of the workshop included technical experts from NSTDA, NSTDA’s partners and GTZ.

“Tapioca starch is an important industry because Thailand is the world’s largest producer and exporter of tapioca starch and starch derivatives, with 70% market share and total export value of US$ 470 million in 2008.  NSTDA collaborated with GTZ to strengthen the competitiveness of the tapioca starch industry through capacity building of the industry’s personnel and transferring of production technology to ensure efficient energy and resource consumption.  Tapioca starch industry development requires continuous efforts.  Due to high local labour costs and rapid improvement of the industry in Vietnam and Indonesia, its major competitors, Thailand’s competitive edge has been declining.  Tapioca starch manufacturers must focus on improving their production efficiency.”, said Prof.Dr.Morakot Tanticharoen, NSTDA Vice President.

“In the near future Thailand will face with a new trade requirement: greenhouse gas emissions management of export products, particularly to high value markets in the European Union.  These markets have the policy to support low carbon products that contribute to global warming mitigation.  Manufacturers have to report the greenhouse gas emissions for the whole lifecycle of the product, or carbon footprint.  In order to maintain the competitive edge, manufacturers must be aware of carbon footprint assessment and take initiatives to reduce the product’s carbon footprint throughout the product lifecycle.  This can be achieved through reducing energy and resource consumption in the production process, thus, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from improving eco-efficiency.”, added Assoc.Prof.Dr. Thumrongrut Mungcharoen, Program Director, Environmental Friendly Technology Program, NSTDA.

  Press-Release_Tapioca Training_English-Version (44.0 Kb)

  Press-Release_Tapioca Training_Thai-Version (49.0 Kb)