PRAN Baking Chief Operating Officer Mr. Md. Abdullah Al-Mamun ASA/WISHH Asian Program Manager Alan F. Poock and ASA/WISHH In-Country Representative Masum Reja at the PRAN PRAN-RFL Group’s Bagpara industrial park complex.
Credit: ASA/WISHH

Alan F. Poock, the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA/WISHH) Asia program manager, is wrapping up a two-week Asian trip to Myanmar (sometimes called Burma) and Bangladesh as part of the FAS-funded Emerging Markets Program (EMP).

Caption (Left): PRAN Baking Chief Operating Officer Mr. Abdullah Al-Mamun, ASA/WISHH In-Country Representative Masum Reja and ASA/WISHH Asian Program Manager Alan F. Poock at the PRAN PRAN-RFL Group’s Bagpara industrial park complex Photo credit: ASA/WISHH

While in Myanmar, Poock met with several companies and trade organizations that were interviewed for the EMP market assessment earlier in the spring.  Future activities and programs were discussed, which may include technical consultant visits, seminars and trade teams.  Companies are very interested in learning more about the functional and nutritional benefits of using soy.  An important meeting was with the Myanmar Edible Oil Association, which has over 5,300 members and represents oilseed crushers, importers and oil end-users. Poock coordinated with USSEC’s Singapore office and personnel prior to his visit, focusing on food use of U.S. soybeans and protein.

The Bangladesh portion is a follow-up to an earlier February visit, where Poock is meeting with companies who are interested using soy flour and other soy ingredients.  Companies continue to conduct research and development activities using soy.  On Wednesday, Poock visited the PRAN-RFL Group’s Bagpara industrial park complex and met with the Chief Operating Officer of the baking division, Mr. Abdullah A- Mamun. PRAN manufactures thousands of products through its many divisions: dairy, bakery, processed foods, frozen, condiments, beverages and candy.  They also export to over 100 countries.  The baking division recently placed an order for U.S. soy flour to be used in research and development. Exports of U.S. soybeans to Bangladesh are growing and opportunities are developing for trade in value added products.