Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin during a tour at a local products exhibition. - MPRT
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through the Agriculture and Agrifood Department and Department of Fisheries will continue to bolster the development of the agri-food and seafood processing industry sector in line with Brunei Vision 2035 to support national food security and drive sustainable economic growth.
The agri-food and seafood processing industry is identified as one of the five main sectors with potential in diversifying the country’s economy and position Brunei as a regional halal food production hub.
The Agriculture and Agrifood Department highlighted the importance of strengthening the industry in a statement on Saturday (April 5), stressing the efforts to enhance the agri-food sector in diversifying the national economy.
The MPRT is collaborating with agencies to focus on strengthening the seafood processing industry.
It will involve the adoption of modern technologies and the enhancement of processing efficiency to produce high-quality local products capable of competing effectively in both domestic and international markets.
A key strategy is attracting foreign direct investment by providing a stable investment environment, good infrastructure and access to international markets.
An internationally recognised halal certification system will enhance the competitiveness of Brunei’s products in local and global markets.
The ministry is also committed to promoting the growth of local companies by supporting them in increasing their manufacturing capacity.
It includes facilitating the expansion of their operations from home-based setups to industrial-standard premises.
Through holistic strategy and cooperation between the public and private sectors, the Sultanate is making significant progress towards becoming a globally competitive and sustainable agri-food industry hub.
It is evidenced by the efforts of the government, local companies and foreign investors, which have attracted high-quality investments, increased food processing capabilities, and strengthened Brunei’s position in the regional market.
One of the important achievements in the agri-food industry is the recent success of a local company in obtaining accreditation from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
The accreditation will enable the company to penetrate the export market to Singapore.
The success is the result of collaborative efforts between the MPRT, the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority, the Brunei Economic Development Board and PDS Abattoir Sdn Bhd.
Their joint efforts ensured that food processing in Brunei meets international standards and fulfils the overseas market requirements.
The accreditation process involved a comprehensive assessment, monitoring of quality control systems and coordination to ensure that high food safety standards are continuously improved.
The achievement demonstrates that local products are capable of entering regional markets and competing on a global scale. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
