ASA/WISHH Executive Director Jim Hershey being interviewed by the Myanmar media prior to the start of the seminar

The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA/WISHH) organized a seminar in Yangon this week to discuss U.S. cooperative efforts, using soy in corporate responsibility programs and several other issues.

Ng Wan Ting, DuPont Nutrition and Health Application Specialist, covering the wide range of value-added soy proteins

More than 70 people from the Myanmar food processing industry, U.S. government and local organizations attended the seminar, endorsed by the Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association and Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers Association, featuring presenters from Asia and the United States.

Myanmar has a long history of producing and processing soybeans, but demand is rapidly outstripping local supply, and industry is very interested in new soyfood product trends, processing technologies and learning about the many nutritional benefits of consuming soy proteins and oils.

ASA/WISHH is planning future activities to further assist with technical assistance and to educate companies on how to increase soy protein usage in products and meet their supply needs through international trade.

The companies and organizations presenting this week included:  ASA/WISHH, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Insta-Pro, TetraPak and DuPont Nutrition and Health. Jim Hershey, ASA/WISHH Executive Director, discussed the cooperative efforts of the ASA/WISHH, USSEC and the National Soybean Checkoff. WISHH Asian Division Director Alan F. Poock covered “Using U.S. soy in Corporate Social Responsibility Programs (CSR).” Regional Director Timothy Loh and USSEC-SEA Technical Director – Human Nutrition Boon Yee Yeong also presented.  USDA/FAS Minister Counselor for the region, Bobby Richey, opened and closed the conference.

The seminar was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and North Dakota Soybean Council.