The Vietnam Sugarcane and Sugar Association (VSSA) and Sugar Research Institute (SRI) represented by its Chairman, Mr. Nguyen Van Loc and Director General, Dr. Cao Anh Duong respectively visited PHILSURIN to discuss the technical cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines. VSSA is a non-government organization of Vietnam and represents the sugarcane industry which includes 20 sugar companies while Sugarcane Research Institute is the main government sugarcane breeding organization in Vietnam. The renewal of the MOU on sugarcane germplasm for use in the breeding and selection program and the preposition to consider fuzz exchange were discussed by both parties.

The chairman reiterated that VSSA is also aiming to identify varieties with high yield and quality, drought and amenable for multiple ratooning that are suitable for sugar factories situated in different sugarcane areas in Vietnam. They intend to carry out study at different sugarcane areas of each factory to evaluate their available sugarcane varieties against potential commercial varieties of PHILSURIN.

After an introductory presentation, a facility tour and visit to nearby commercial farms were also organized for the guests. They were able to see and compare the different activities being done by PHILSURIN and Vietnam in as far as variety development is concerned. 

Clearly, both Institutions are recognizing the mutual benefits derived from exchange of breeding materials as one of the basic approaches in the development of new sugarcane varieties.