Milestones, memories made in Christchurch 28th Asian Seed Congress generates ‘a billion’ for global seed business

New Zealand's 'Garden City' welcomed more than 1,100 seed industry delegates from around the world for the 2023 Asian Seed Congress, which took place at the Ta Pae Convention Center last November 20 to 24.

Co-organized by APSA with the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA), it was the first time for “Aotearoa” to host Asia-Pacific's premier seed industry meeting in the event’s 28-year history.

The for-members and by-invitation-only event was formally inaugurated during a spectacular ceremony in the exhibition hall of the newly-opened convention center, enlivened with traditional Māori Mihi Whakatau (welcome) and a rousing kapa haka (song and dance) performance by Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate School students.

Presided over by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, Mrs. Charlotte Connoley (NZGSTA), Dr. John Roche (NZ MPI) and Dr. Manish Patel (APSA), the inaugural ceremony was reinforced with detailed host country trade and production statistics, and a timely keynote presentation by Dr. Patel on the role, challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in modern agriculture.

Thus, the stage was set for a productive week of business meetings, entertainment, trade exhibition, and technical sessions; negotiations abound at the trading tables and meeting rooms, which facilitated an estimated 10,000 meetings to support marketing strategies and revenue turnover for many companies throughout the year.

APSA estimates that as much as US$200 million in new business was generated as a result, and in excess of $1 billion turnover indirectly generated through deals, leads, and partnerships formed.

Beyond trade agreements, significant collaborations were forged, including the signing of Memorandums of Understanding related to agricultural research and development (R&D) and innovation. Furthermore, public-private partnerships were established to advance sustainable technologies, particularly focusing on seed quality aspects. These initiatives are expected to enhance the sustainability of seed companies domestically and regionally, ultimately contributing to global food security and prosperity.

Hosting the event also provided a substantial boost to Christchurch's visitor economy, estimated to be to the tune of $2.5 million, with many international delegates taking the opportunity to explore other parts of New Zealand.

Congress formally concluded with APSA’s Annual General Meeting on November 24 (See next page) though informally culminated with four “Post Congress Tours” that gave delegates a first-hand introduction to New Zealand’s primary agriculture and seed production region centred around the fertile Canterbury plains surrounding Christchurch. (See page 26).

The location of the ASC rotated among APSA member countries yearly in cooperation with a National Organizing Committee (NOC) of the designated host country, which was led that year by the New Zealand Grain and Seed Industry Association (NZGSTA) and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The ASC had also been hosted in Thailand seven times (five times in Bangkok, once in Pattaya, and the inaugural event was in Chiang Mai in 1994); as well as in Manila, the Philippines (three times); Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (twice) and once each in Brisbane, Australia; Shanghai, Macau, and Kaohsiung in China; Goa, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad in India; Chiba and Kobe in Japan; Jakarta and Bali in Indonesia; Seoul and Incheon in South Korea and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.