BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: To ensure the food sector continues to grow and contribute consistently to the diversification of the national economy and food security, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) is focusing on a strategic venture known as the Export Drive Initiative.
The move emphasises food production activities aimed at achieving self-sufficiency while encouraging production for the export market.
Details of the initiative and its benefits were shared by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Datuk Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin in his ministerial statement entitled ‘Strengthening Production and Expanding Markets for Agricultural, Fisheries, and Agrifood Products’ during the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council on Thursday (March 26).
In efforts to strengthen economic resilience and expand the non-oil and gas sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), the minister said the MPRT continues to focus on developing the agriculture, fisheries, and agrifood industries to make them more competitive, innovative, and export-oriented.
In 2025, the total output value of the food sector was estimated at BND734 million, with BND557 million from the agriculture and agrifood sector and BND178 million from the fisheries sector.
The total export value was approximately BND13 million. The minister explained that while previous strategies focused primarily on meeting domestic demand, the country must now move beyond self-sufficiency to empower local industries to scale up and compete internationally.
The Export Drive Initiative provides several strategic benefits, including expanding access to regional markets and creating job opportunities for locals.
Participation in export markets also encourages local micro, small, and medium enterprises to improve compliance with industry standards such as Brunei Good Agriculture Practice (BGAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
The minister highlighted that increasing production capacity has the potential to exceed 100 per cent self-sufficiency.
For instance, following the export of chicken eggs to Singapore in late 2022, the self-sufficiency level for eggs reached approximately 112 per cent.
Involvement in international markets also allows companies to achieve economies of scale, reducing production costs.
To facilitate international market penetration, the Government has strengthened the capacity of competent authorities like the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood and the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA).
Efforts are also underway to enhance bilateral trade relations and leverage agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The role of youth is also being emphasised, with 93 active youth entrepreneurs recorded in the sector in 2025.
Furthermore, the ministry is focusing on sustainable production through the exploration of hybrid rice seeds and the establishment of a Hybrid Rice Research Centre in collaboration with China.
To accelerate development, entrepreneurs are classified into three tiers based on their export readiness.
The ministry is also improving logistics and cold chain facilities in collaboration with agencies like the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and private partners.
The minister noted that a product differentiation strategy is being used to achieve premium pricing for items such as organic shrimp, omega eggs, and Brunei Halal products.
The ministry targets increasing the food sector’s value to BND1.5 billion by 2035. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
