BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam’s capacity to develop its economy does not rest solely on the efforts of the government, but also depends on the support, innovation, and competitiveness of the private sector and the people as a whole.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin (pic) highlighted the importance of a whole-of-country approach to collectively work together in the further development of the nation’s economy in his welcoming remarks at the muzakarah session between the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) and Legislative Council members on Tuesday (Jan 20) morning.
The minister said, “The sectors under the purview of the MPRT not only contribute to economic growth, but also play a highly critical role in ensuring food security, sustainable forest resources, employment opportunities, as well as the image and competitiveness of Brunei at the regional and international levels.”
Recognising the roles and contributions of the mentioned sectors, he iterated, “The ministry will continuously further strengthen its efforts by reviewing strategies and introducing new methods and approaches in line with current needs, in order to implement continuous and effective improvements and changes in implementing the ministry’s strategic initiatives, programmes and projects.”
The ministry, he said, continues its focus on three main priorities – Enhancing the Output of the Primary Resources and Agrifood Industry; Supporting the Advancement and Development of the Tourism Industry; and Strengthening Efforts in the Development and Conservation of Forest Resources.
Elaborating on the first focus of enhancing the output of the primary resources and agrifood industry, in line with the Food Industry Roadmap that has been formulated, various programmes and initiatives have been developed.
He said, “These efforts are aimed not only at increasing output from the primary food sector, such as livestock, crop and fisheries production, but also at intensifying efforts to develop and further expand the secondary industry – outputs from processing and value-added activities based on agriculture and fisheries (or agrifood).”
From year to year, he highlighted that the nation has witnessed an overall increase in production, including the achievement of self-sufficiency levels exceeding 100 per cent for broiler chickens and eggs, as well as strong growth in the fisheries sector.
Despite these encouraging achievements, the ministry continues to intensify its efforts to strengthen the value chain ecosystem to build a resilient food security system, particularly for several strategic commodities such as rice and beef, fish, shrimp, as well as processed food.
These efforts encompass a combination of strategic local production, diversification of import sources, regional cooperation, and investment in technology, downstream processing, and the strengthening of biosecurity.
The export initiatives, he mentioned, are currently being pursued, including cooperation with Singapore, China, the Philippines, South Korea, and other regional countries, forming part of a medium-term strategy to position local industries within the regional value chain, in compliance with halal standards, food safety requirements, and international certification.
For the second focus on the tourism sector, he shared, “The ministry’s efforts are directed towards supporting the advancement and development of the tourism industry in this country by focusing on the development, strengthening, and promotion of tourism products based on culture, adventure, and nature, with the aim of ensuring a high-quality, high-value, and sustainable tourism industry, as well as increasing tourist arrivals to the country.”
Initiatives being implemented in line with the Tourism Industry Roadmap 2024–2035, he said, are being driven through an “industry-led, government-enabled” approach, with emphasis on strengthening air and regional connectivity; developing products based on nature, culture, adventure, Islamic, and MICE; enhancing service quality, workforce capabilities, and hygiene standards; and providing infrastructure that is safe, tourist-friendly, and commercially viable. In all these initiatives, the principle of “quality over quantity” remains a key guiding principle of the country.
Meanwhile, on the third focus in the forestry sector, he said the MPRT remains committed to ensuring that the needs and priorities relating to the development and conservation of forest resources are fulfilled.
In this regard, the ministry, through the Forestry Department, will continue to ensure that efforts to develop, protect, and conserve the nation’s forest resources are implemented continuously to ensure that national development activities are aligned with the principles of sustainable development.
These efforts include forest rehabilitation, certification, the development of downstream timber industries, as well as the exploration of carbon market mechanisms, being implemented in stages with a strong basic legal framework, governance structure, and adherence to international standards.
Touching on the issue of the workforce which still depends on foreign workers in several subsectors, the minister said efforts are being intensified through competency development, career pathways, youth engagement, as well as the use of technology and automation to enhance productivity and attract long-term participation of local citizens.
The ultimate goal, he expressed, is to build a primary resources and tourism economy that is robust in terms of food security; competitive in the regional market; environmentally sustainable; inclusive in terms of public participation; and contributes meaningfully to national prosperity under Brunei Vision 2035. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
