The University of Syiah Kuala Darussalam Banda Aceh (Unsyiah ) collaborated with a French fragrance company called Natgreen and the Government of Bener Meriah Regency on the development of the patchouli industry in the region. Rector of the Syiah Kuala Darussalam University, Professor Samsul Rizal signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the French fragrance company and the Government of Bener Meriah Regency in Darussalam, Banda Aceh on Sunday (Febr 2). Prof. Samsul explained that the cooperation focuses on the research and economic development of the patchouli industry particularly in rural areas across Aceh. The French company will also help the Syiah Kuala University and the patchouli farmers in Aceh develop processes for extraction and packaging of aromatic plants to support the fragrance industry of Aceh. The commitment of Unsyiah to developing the fragrance industry has started in 2016 when the university established the Atsiri Research Center (ARC). Meanwhile, Director of Natgreen Mostapha Bensalah pointed out that his side is committed to advancing patchouli, essential oil, aromatic extract industries, as well as the packaging of perfume in Aceh//(Ant/Trs.AL)