DuPont's new technologies for food and agriculture, industrial bio-sciences and advanced materials are exhibited at the Bangkok-based Thailland Innovation Centre. — VNS Photo.

BANGKOK (Biz Hub) — Viet Nam should support agriculture by embracing new technologies and ensuring farmers use them in the context of the imminent competition once the ASEAN Economic Community comes into being, US agricultural technology giant DuPont has said.

"We pledge to educate farmers in science through all stakeholders such as NGOs and government since technology will help grow more food but make work easier for farmers," Hsing Ho, group managing director, DuPont ASEAN, said at a media briefing at the company's Thailand Innovation Centre in Bangkok on October 16.

At the event, the company unveiled plans for opening its first research and development facility in the region and business headquarters in Singapore next year to support its ASEAN food and agriculture, industrial bio-sciences and advanced materials markets.

The company has invested in ASEAN countries for 40 years and completed three new investments last year — a hybrid corn seed production plant at Lamphun, Thailand, a new office in Yangon, and a new joint site in Singapore.

DuPont has 13 production plants in ASEAN countries, 10 in agriculture, two to make advanced materials for aerospace, automotive and other applications, and one for making food ingredients.

The company's top growth potential in ASEAN lies in markets like agriculture (seed, crop protection), oil palm and derivatives, food, oil and gas, renewable energy, and automotive products, Ho said.

"Science and technology can play a bigger role in support of the region's food safety and security. The ASEAN Economic Community should consider refocusing its agenda towards enhancing the region's agriculture community." — VNS