Chula Joins Forces with Ministry of Commerce to Elevate Thai Agricultural Innovation to the Global Market
Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on enhancing capacity and competitiveness of innovative agricultural products with Ms. Arada Fuangtong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce. The event took place during the launch of the Agri Plus Award 2026 project on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Burachat Chaiyakon Room, 4th Floor, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce.
This collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and the Department of Foreign Trade aims to promote and elevate Thailand’s innovative agricultural products to compete in international markets. Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Commerce, presided over the opening ceremony. The event also featured presentations on strategies to develop and drive value-added agricultural innovations, as well as the Agri Plus Award 2026 competition—an important platform to identify and support entrepreneurs with strong potential in agricultural innovation to reach the global stage.
The signing of this MOU marks a significant step in integrating academic knowledge, research, and innovation from Chulalongkorn University with government efforts to support Thai entrepreneurs. The goal is to help them develop high-quality agricultural products that meet global standards and market demands, particularly by applying technology and innovation to increase product value. The initiative also includes the “Agri Plus Clinic,” a collaboration led by Chulalongkorn University, which provides entrepreneurs with in-depth consultations from government agencies and experts in areas such as product development, branding, intellectual property registration, and strategies for expanding into domestic and international markets.
This partnership represents another key effort in driving sustainable growth of Thailand’s innovative agricultural sector while strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global trade arena.
In addition, the event featured an exhibition of innovative agricultural products by Thai entrepreneurs, as well as a panel discussion on the topic “Transforming Thai Agricultural Products in Global Trade.” Speakers included Mr. Noppadon Kuntamas, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade; Asst. Prof. Dr. Arm Tungnirun, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University and Deputy Dean of the College of Lifelong Learning for the People; and a representative from the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization).
