| Azaraimy HH |
LOCAL food producers and traders have the potential to go beyond the Brunei market, said Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, yesterday.
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of ‘The Flavours of BIMP-EAGA & Beyond: Culture and Food Expo 2016’ launching ceremony, at The Airport Mall.
He said that there are several programmes and initiatives that will help these producers to develop their commerce beyond the local market.
At the same time, he called on small-time producers and traders to use events such as the Culture and Food Expo 2016, as a platform for introducing their wares to the regional market.
During the interview, the minister also raised the issue that some local food producers are reluctant to develop themselves, and are quite content to remain where they are.
“As a consequence, most of them are still frozen at the micro level, even though they have been producing for the last decade,” said the minister, adding that if this trend continues, then government efforts to help small enterprises would be rendered less effective.
He also urged local producers to emulate their foreign competitors by emphasising quality, taste, packaging and an efficient delivery system.
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, during the ‘The Flavours of BIMP-EAGA & Beyond: Culture and Food Expo 2016’. – AZARAIMY HH
The minister even stressed on the importance of maintaining quality, which would prevent simulation, and enable the produce to compete sustainably.
Meanwhile, Melline Jaini, from Ghanim International Corporations, told the Bulletin that the Jerudong-based company is able to provide a guide for local traders on the necessary requirements to expand their businesses beyond Brunei.
She said that Ghanim’s experience of promoting the Brunei Halal brand on the international scene, including London and Australia, should be beneficial for local produce.
Currently, Ghanim is in the process of importing more high-quality products from abroad to Brunei; and its main focus is on healthy food content, with less sugar and fats.
In his opening speech, Pengiran Yura Kesteria bin Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji Mohd Yusuf, the Executive Chairman of the Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council, said that people’s value systems and food traditions combine together to create culture, which is what BIMP-EAGA is famous for.
“BIMP-EAGA also houses a great variety of food and beverages, which can provide a new and unique tourism experience – not only for those in Brunei Darussalam and the EAGA territories, but also for the rest of the world,” he said.
“Food tourism plays a key role in sustaining and celebrating regional identity that we can be proud of. Just as importantly, it creates economic opportunities for people of the EAGA region,” he added.
He also said that the event would promote a greater appreciation and conservation of the sub-region’s unique customs.
The food expo also saw a launching of a cookbook titled, ‘Spice of Life: Recipes & Remedies”, consisting of herb recipes from Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.
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