HCMC to produce biofuels from agricultural by-products

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology is hastening preparations for the production of biofuels from agricultural by-products, in a move to better protect the water and air environment in the economic hub. The more than US$3.9 million project will receive more than US$3.3 million as non-refundable aid from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The remaining capital will be mobilized from the local budget. Under the project, which will run from October 2008 to March 2013, a system of producing fuels and materials from the paddy’s by-products, using the mass of living organisms, will be built. A list of projects calling for Official Development Assistance from JICA during fiscal year 2008 is awaiting the Prime Ministers approval. (June 12, 2008)