| James Kon |
THE Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) has undertaken a new strategic direction centred on four elements – Growth, Productivity, Export and Sustainability – which correspond to initiatives and programmes under the Asean-Republic of Korea Forest Cooperation (AFoCo), for a sustainable and well-developed country.
The established cooperation in forestry between Brunei, Asean countries and the Republic of Korea (ROK) was highlighted by Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the MPRT, in his welcoming remarks as the guest of honour during the opening of the 8th Governing Council Meeting of AFoCo at The Rizqun International Hotel on March 29-30.
AFoCo is a regional cooperation mechanism in the forest sector between Asean member countries – including Brunei – and the Republic of Korea, which was initiated as the first step taken after Korea’s proposal for the establishment of the Asia Forest Cooperation Organisation.
“Brunei Darussalam recognised the close relationship between Asean member states and the Republic of Korea under AFoCo agreement, which aimed to have a sustainable forest management cooperation; and recently, as part of its initiative to implement the agreement towards the establishment of Asia Forest Cooperation Organisation,” said Dr Haji Abdul Manaf. “Brunei Darussalam appreciates the efforts by the Republic of Korea, which has been noted as a model country for global sustainability and for its continuous support by sharing its technology, as well as experience, in achieving common vision of sustainable development.”
Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in a group photo with some of the representatives for the 8th Governing Council Meeting of AFoCo. – JAMES KON
The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Henry Bastaman, the Asean Senior Officer of Forestry (ASOF) and the Indonesian leader of ASOF; and Dr Yongkwan Kim, the Director-General of Korean Forest Services.
Through the Forestry Department, Brunei Darussalam is actively participating in regional programmes on improving forest resource assessment, boosting the involvement of local communities to address the adverse impact of climate change and capacity-building for a landscape approach to support the sustainable natural resources management in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.
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