The memorandum of understanding commits the two organisations to share knowledge and expertise relating to the livestock and aquaculture industry.
The jointly hosted seminars, workshops and training events will be part of the VIV Asia in Thailand and ILDEX Exhibitions in Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia during 2014 – 2016. Moreover, the student scholarship programs will be presented in Southeast Asia, South Asia and China.
The Dutch Ambassador in Bangkok, His Excellency Mr. Joan A. Boer, said: “Innovations are needed to scale up production effectively. Not by copying Dutch technology, but by developing tailor made solutions that are adapted to local circumstances.
“Using our knowledge, our drive for innovation, our entrepreneurship and international outlook, we will continue to be the frontrunners when it comes to adding value, knowledge and innovation, increased productivity and sustainable production around the world.
“The increased focus on food quality and animal welfare is both an opportunity and a challenge for producers. VNU, in cooperation with FAVA, can provide an excellent platform to assemble people from all over the world. Together they can tackle the challenges that lie ahead in animal production in Asia and realize the great opportunities that Asia has to offer.”
“We acknowledge and respect the great importance of the veterinarian profession for the development of both the livestock industry and the domesticated animal industry and are very pleased today to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations. This validates our synergy with the industry as a partner. In our opinion this is the only way to develop an industry. We believe that our corporations will benefit the development of the industry and that we are on the right track to take on the challenge of the upcoming AEC.” said Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Managing Director, VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific.
The MoU comes at a time when VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, the 2-year old joint venture company of VNU Exhibitions Europe and TCC Exhibition and Convention Center, is realizing a high growth performance by managing and organizing more than 8 livestock exhibitions and conferences in Southeast Asia. With the corporation of FAVA, VNU Exhibitions will become stronger than ever in connecting to the worldwide veterinary network.
“FAVA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of the people in the region through responsible animal care and welfare through unified professional associations. In 2015, ASEAN will become one community; we should be prepared to meet the many changes this will entail.
This diversity will reflect in the consumption and production trends in livestock industries. In order to grow and address the future challenge in AEC, FAVA has agreed to collaborate with VNU Exhibitions Europe and VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific. The aim is to create a regional network in AEC and among FAVA members. VNU Exhibitions will basically support FAVA with the student scholarship programs in Southeast Asia, South Asia and China. On the other hand, the sharing of best practice and new trends in the industry will be supported by FAVA through VIV Asia and ILDEX Exhibitions Conference and Seminar from 2014 – 2016,” explained Dr. Johnson Chiang, FAVA President.
“The Embassy has also worked very closely with VNU to support the activities of Dutch businesses in the livestock sector in ASEAN. The strong brands that VNU has established over the years, such as VIV Asia and ILDEX, create an excellent platform for networking and knowledge sharing in the livestock sector. Our government supports these exhibitions by organizing a Holland pavilion, where Dutch businesses are represented individually. The next events in which we will join forces will be the 5th edition of ILDEX Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City from 19th -21st March 2014 and of course VIV 2015. We are making preparations for the Dutch pavilion, matchmaking and a network event for ILDEX. I know VNU has big plans for VIV 2015 and will yet again exceed the success of the previous events,” said Daphne Dernison, Deputy Head of Agriculture Affairs at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok.
VIV Asia 2015 and VIV Europe 2014 presented the latest updates during the signing ceremony.
“VIV Europe 2014 will be held from 20th – 22nd May 2014 at the Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, The Netherlands and ready to welcome and inform feed industry executives from around the world. Great attention is paid to covering the agribusiness spectrum from feed to meat in every VIV event. Next May in Utrecht the focus will be towards underlining the feed aspect in several ways. By our preliminary calculation there will be more than 40 exhibitors with machinery or equipment for feed mills. In addition, about 15 companies supplying feed manufacturing systems will be represented on the stands, forming a special CropTech-FeedTech pavilion. The VIP Programs are also being arranged for Southeast Asia buyers. Interested parties should contact VNU Exhibitions in Bangkok for the special package,” said Mr. Ruwan Berculo, VIV Project Manager, VNU Exhibitions Europe.
Ladda Mongkolchaivivat, General Manager of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific has presented an overview of ILDEX Exhibitions organized in ASEAN countries; Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia. These exhibitions are aimed at introducing new international technologies to these countries and simultaneously to building platforms for market opportunities while maintaining a localised approach.
The signing ceremony was attended by many livestock partners including the Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Development, Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Country Director of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, President of the Veterinary Council of Thailand, President of the Animal Husbandry Association of Thailand and media members.