ASIATODAY.ID, BANGKOK — The Asia-Pacific region is now at a critical juncture in the global bioeconomy revolution.
Facing mounting pressures to balance economic growth, resource efficiency, and climate resilience, the region is leveraging bio-based innovations—from renewable materials and sustainable agriculture to circular economy technologies—as key drivers of competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and food system transformation.
The agri-food sector is the backbone of the bioeconomy, making innovations in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and circular solutions central to transforming food systems across the region.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has identified bioeconomy as a Priority Program Area in its 2022–2031 Strategic Framework, reinforcing its commitment to drive innovation, reduce food loss, and foster sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Our region has immense potential to lead the global bioeconomy. This can only be realized with sustainable raw material supply, coherent policies, and collaboration across governments, private sector, academia, and producers,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, on November 25, 2025.
Largest Asia-Pacific Bioeconomy Forum Opens in Bangkok
The Bioeconomy Innovation and Investment Forum (BIIF) 2025 officially opened today, bringing together nearly 600 participants from government agencies, embassies, private sector, global investors, research institutions, startups, and civil society.
The forum provides a platform for showcasing innovative solutions to tackle food loss, enhance productivity, and strengthen the bio-based economy across crop, livestock, fisheries, and forestry sectors.
Dr. Tatsanee Muangkaew, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, highlighted Thailand’s commitment to the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model.
These initiatives aim to promote productivity, standards, and high-income opportunities through sustainable and value-added agriculture, positioning Thailand as a key player in building resilient global food systems.
A major highlight of the forum is the Business-to-Business Networking Session, connecting over 50 industry leaders and startups with investors and policymakers to accelerate successful bioeconomy models in the region.
“Life-based partnerships are the key message of this forum. Our region needs these conversations,” said Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand.
Launching a Global Bioeconomy Coalition: BEST Partnership
The forum also discussed the creation of the regional hub for the Bioeconomy for Sustainable Transformation (BEST) Partnership, a multi-stakeholder global platform designed to scale bioeconomy solutions. This partnership will feed into the Global Bioeconomy Summit in Ireland next year.
Aligned with the G20 Bioeconomy Initiative, BEST aims to strengthen policy coherence, accelerate knowledge sharing, and support multilateral actions to unlock the region’s bioeconomy potential.
“We hope this forum becomes a platform for sharing innovation, strengthening bioeconomy solutions, and building partnerships,” said Millicent Cruz Paredes, Ambassador of the Philippines to Thailand.
“Coherent multilateral action is not optional—it is essential. FAO is committed to facilitating this partnership so Asia-Pacific can build an inclusive and sustainable bioeconomy,” added Lev Neretin, Senior Natural Resources Officer, FAO.
Supported by 18 Global and Regional Organizations
BIIF 2025 is organized by FAO in collaboration with 18 strategic partners, including: UNCTAD, UNEP, UNESCAP, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNCRD, ASEAN, Embassy of Bangladesh in Thailand, Biotec and Malaysia Bioeconomy Development Corporation.
The forum underscores the Asia-Pacific region as the epicenter of the global bioeconomy surge. (AT Network)
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