The centre will cooperate with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in future research to increase market share in the animal health business by 15 per cent.

The Vet Products Research and Innovation Centre (VRI) will be set up to allow the company to work closely with NSTDA experts, Dr Tanin Sheewapalaboon, managing director of Vet Products Group, said yesterday.

The VRI will work with the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of the NSTDA to develop alternatives to antibiotics in animal feed.

Tanin said VRI would also work with government institutes and universities to support research and technology that could be implemented on a commercial scale. Through involvement with leading institutes, VRI can target growth at 15 per cent, for a market share of Bt33 billion in both Thailand and other countries, Tanin said.

A memorandum of understanding on cooperation with NSTDA and the National Nanotechnology Centre was signed yesterday at the Thailand Science Park in Pathum Thani.

NSTDA president Narong Sirilertworakul said the cooperation with Vet Products would be a good chance to share experiences and technical knowledge.