On May 13, Guangxi University （GXU） hosted the launch meeting for the China–Thailand Collaborative Innovation Project on Advanced Biomanufacturing Technology Development and Efficient Biomass Conversion (hereinafter referred to as the project), which is led by our university under the Guangxi Empowerment Action Plan (Guangxi Key R&D Program). Prof. Dr. Xiao Jianzhuang, President of GXU, attended the launch meeting and delivered a speech.

Xiao Jianzhuang extended a warm welcome to the project team members from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Chulalongkorn University of Thailand, and offered congratulations on the successful launch of the project. He pointed out that China and Thailand are rich in agricultural and forestry biomass resources, which urgently require breakthroughs in efficient conversion technologies through joint research efforts. GXU will fully provide service support to ensure the smooth progress of project research and the construction of the China–Thailand Joint Laboratory. He expressed hope that the three universities will take the project launch as an opportunity to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism featuring “joint research, shared platforms, shared outcomes, and joint talent cultivation,” and work together to build a science and technology innovation hub for biomanufacturing in the China–ASEAN region.

The project leader, Prof. Feng Jiaxun of GXU, introduced the overall situation of the project. Prof. Zhao Shuai from the GXU School of Life Science and Technology, Prof. Zhao Xinqing from the School of Life Science and Technology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Prof. Nuttha Thongchul from the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, respectively presented the research tasks and objectives of the three parties, and held discussions on project advancement as well as plans and agreements for establishing the “Belt and Road” Joint Laboratory.

After the meeting, the first China–Thailand Academic Symposium on Intelligent Biomanufacturing and Efficient Biomass Conversion, along with the Special Training Session was held. Experts, young researchers, and graduate students from both countries delivered 27 reports and lectures, engaging in in-depth academic exchange and technical training.

Before the meeting, Xiao Jianzhuang met with the Thai delegation and awarded Guangxi University adjunct professorship certificates to three Thai experts.