On 11 May 2026, the ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Project (AJFVC) shared its plans for capacity assessment of biopesticide handling laboratories during the 30th meeting of the Expert Working Group on the Harmonization of Maximum Residue Limits (EWG-MRLs), held via video conference.

During the meeting, Kirana Nadhilla, a JICA consultant for Output 2 of AJFVC from CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd., presented background information on the expansion of the biopesticide market in ASEAN, and highlighted critical challenges faced by AMSs, including the limited availability of specialized biopesticide laboratories and trained personnel. To address these issues, AJFVC plans to conduct technical assessments and gap analyses of selected laboratories to help identify regional requirements and support the initiative aligns with Workstream 2 of the ASEAN Biopesticide Regulatory Project for future capacity building activities.