| Aziz Idris |
THE Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) will continue to strengthen and improve the profile of local agricultural and agrifood-based sector through means of technology which in turn will contribute significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP).
This was stated by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong in his closing remarks on the final day of the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.
He explained that apart from poultry, vegetables and fruits farming, flower, and livestock; aquaculture and deep-water fishing has enjoyed the biggest growth and has been identified by the MPRT as the emerging sector that will contribute significantly to the economy in the near future.
The Fisheries Department has set a target to increase aquaculture revenue from BND9 million in 2015 to BND400 million per year by 2020.
“In view of this development, we have also seen the processing sector grow, especially the processing of fresh fish and prawns not only for local consumption but also for the export market,” he noted, adding that it has generated local employment.
The minister also shared some success stories from local and joint-venture companies involved in agriculture.
Several processing companies have managed to tap into the export market, using the Brunei Halal brand. One of the latest companies is BMC Sdn Bhd, who supplies ready-cook chicken to a Japanese restaurant franchise which has over 300 branches in Japan.
Meanwhile, the cultivation of poultry and livestock has also seen a significant growth with several poultry breeders successfully improving their income. This is also reflected in local fruit farming whereby farming companies have already registered and started to export their produce outside Brunei.
He also reiterated His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah during the 13th Knowledge Convention whereby His Majesty underscored the significance of farming and achieving food self-sufficiency for the nation’s survivability.
He also urged all stakeholders, including the LegCo members, to continuously support the development of agriculture, especially among youth, to curb unemployment while at the same time assuring sufficient food security for the nation.
In the tourism sector, the minister highlighted the success of the Brunei December Festival (BDF), which has now become a national phenomenon.
“What started with the ministry’s initiative to attract tourists and encourage locals to spend in Brunei, especially during December, has now turned into a lucrative business for event managers,” he added.
The minister also acknowledged local tour operators who have offered attractive tour packages for tourists, especially from China and Republic of Korea.
In conclusion, the minister urged all to adopt a Whole of Nation” effort by partnering businesses, citizens and other stakeholders to develop better solutions.