Thailand eyes more Qatar collaboration in research, innovation

Thailand is willing to offer its expertise and know-how to Qatar in recycling waste materials to value added products and is eying better collaboration in several areas of research and innovation, Thai ambassador Sira Swangsilpa told Gulf Times.

“We have over four decades of cordial bilateral relations with Qatar. If Qatar is interested in joint projects, we can share our know-how and expertise and this will lead to further boosting the relations between both the nations,” he stated.

The Thai envoy was interacting with Gulf Times on the sidelines of a seminar and mini-exhibition titled 'Labs, Farms, and Bottles: Turning Waste into Treasures' organised by Thai Embassy in collaboration with Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), Wednesday.

Ambassador Swangsilpa noted that environmental challenges do not pertain to one particular country as it is a global issue and collective efforts and collaborations are needed to overcome them.

“Sustainable development and environmental issues are some of the common issues for both the countries as well as for the whole mankind. We have researchers and scientists from eminent universities of Thailand. We have the know-how, the professors and scientists and Qatar has the right ambience and vision in sustainable development. So this can be turned into a great partnership and such collaboration can benefit both the countries,” he explained.

The envoy noted that Qatar has the cutting edge research infrastructure and the vision to develop further innovations for the country, the region and beyond. “The Qatar National Vision 2030 for sustainable development is a great example of that strong vison and it is compatible with our project,” he continued.

Swangsilpa stated that the research ideas presented at the event demonstrate the innovation of his country and highlight how Thailand and Qatar can cooperate more and take it to a higher level.

He also noted that many of the value added products made from waste materials have already been commercialised and many are exported to countries such as the US, Japan, Sweden among others.

“So our next step will be to exchange more ideas and more collaboration. Maybe we will invite experts and researchers from QRDI or Qatar Foundation to visit Thailand and universities to make it more tangible, and we can have some agreements in the near future,” he highlighted.

The ambassador also added that Thailand is cooperating with Qatar in the areas of food safety, food security, medical research and many more.