| Danial Norjidi |
THE Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), Brunei Darussalam and Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd, the People’s Republic of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of agriculture.
The signing of the MoU, which took place yesterday at Simpur Hall of the Horticulture Business Centre in Rimba, aims to strengthen and advance cooperation in the field of agricultural development and food security for the mutual benefit of both parties.
According to a press statement issued by the MPRT, the MoU covers cooperation in promotion and demonstration of agricultural science and technology in areas such as advanced breeding, seed production and cultivation technologies with the aim of increasing Brunei Darussalam’s production of rice, vegetables and other major crops; cooperation in the areas of agricultural mechanisation through training in the operation, maintenance and management of agricultural machinery; capacity building cooperation in agricultural areas between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China through online training courses, on-the-job training, study visit and transfer of technologies; collaboration on joint agricultural crop study and research including exchange of scientific and technical information; and cooperation to create and promote an agricultural information service platform.
“The collaboration is hoped to improve the contribution of agriculture industry to the gross domestic product (GDP) with the increase of agricultural production and productivity through the use of technology and skilled human resources,” it said.
Signing for and on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood was Pengiran Haji Kamalrudzaman bin Pengiran Haji Ishak, Acting Director of Agriculture and Agrifood. Meanwhile, signing on behalf of Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd was its Vice-Director Zhou Dan.
The guest of honour Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism witnessed the signing. Also in attendance were Yang Jian, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam; Sun Lingxiang, repre-sentative from the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China; Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the MPRT; a representative from the Department of International Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; senior officials from MPRT departments, delegations from Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd as well as senior officers and officials of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood.
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