BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei saw a 92 per cent increase in international visitors last year compared to 2023, reflecting the success of targeted initiatives, including cultural and nature-based tourism products, infrastructure upgrades and international promotional campaigns.
This was revealed during a dialogue session chaired by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Datuk Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin with Legislative Council (LegCo) members on Tuesday (Feb 4).
The session was attended by 19 LegCo members led by Mohammad Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann.
The session began with opening remarks by the minister, who outlined the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism’s (MPRT) strategic direction and key focus areas in enhancing primary resource industries and tourism.
He acknowledged challenges in maintaining economic stability and achieving sustainable growth in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism, emphasising the need for collective cooperation to address global economic shifts.
Brunei’s tourism sector engaged in international exhibitions, networking sessions, and familiarisation trips for foreign travel agents and influencers.
Several memorandums of understanding were also signed to enhance cooperation with international agencies.
A briefing on the achievements, developments and future direction of the primary resources and tourism sectors was presented by Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Tutiaty Abdul Wahab.
Discussions focused on boosting food production, ensuring quality and halal-certified products, and strengthening the industry’s value chain.
Despite challenges, the fisheries sector achieved export breakthroughs, including increased exports of chicken eggs and processed meat products to Singapore, as well as processed food items to Sabah and Sarawak.
The ministry also introduced sustainability initiatives such as regenerative agriculture and pesticide-free farming, aligning with the Food Industry Roadmap to support a circular economy and minimise environmental impact.
The Forestry Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forest management, with 37 per cent of the national climate change target of 500,000 trees planted by 2035 already achieved.
The ministry also introduced ‘Brunei Wood’ branding to certify high-quality local timber products sourced sustainably, aiming to boost both domestic and international demand.
The session concluded with discussions on diversifying agricultural and fisheries production, ensuring food security, and increasing exports, with an emphasis on private sector support, innovation, and competitiveness.
Senior officials from the ministry, deputy permanent secretaries, department directors and section heads were also present at the event held at the Setia Pahlawan Hall, MPRT. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
