Brunei: China Rice Research Institute To Help Boost Brunei Paddy Drive

The cooperation in the field of agriculture between Brunei and China was lauded by Dato Paduka Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources yesterday at the China Yong Zhou-Asean Economic and Trade Promotion and Investment Talks yesterday.

Dato Dr Hj Amin Liew in his speech recalled that in March 2009, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources met up with Prof Yuan ‘Long Ping, a rice growing expert who is known as the “Father of Hybrid Rice” in Hunan Province. He added that the minister was impressed with the remarkable achievements made by Prof Yuan in hybrid rice research and that he had a “very fruitful discussion” during the meeting.

On the subject of Agro Food, the permanent secretary said, “Brunei Darussalam is also. currently developing an agro-technology park.

The size of this park is about 500 hectares, and (it) is designated as an innovation centre for halal food and halal medicinal and health products, as well as halal cosmetics.

“The park has allocation for research and development activities where we aim to attract research and development institutes not only locally but also from overseas countries.”
Dato Dr Hj Amin Liew expressed hope that the park would help Brunei become the centre for halal research and development as well as amanufacturing hub ofhalal products.

The permanent secretary also highlighted the significant role played by the Brunei-China Friendship Association in building bilateral ties of both nations.

“Over the years, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources or MIPR has collaborated with the Brunei China Friendship Association (BCFA) on a number of activities and projects.

In the recent China-Asean Expo in October 2010, the Brunei China Friendship Association offered their assistance with the coordination of the business delegates from Brunei without which the trip would not have been as successful.”

Dato Dr Hj Amin Liew further noted that MIPR has also been working closely with the BCFA on the development of the Liaison Office Building in Nanning for the Government of Brunei Darussaalam.

The building was completed at the end of last year and was formally handed over to MIPR last October, in Nanning.

Prior to the speech by Dato Dr Hj Amin Liew, Mr Gong Wusheng, the Mayor of Yong zhou City Government of China delivered an address about the various opportunities and attractions of Yong Zhou.

Also present at the China Yong Zhou-Asean Economic and Trade Promotion and Investment Talks yesterday were Dr Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Hj Talib, President of the BCFA; Mr Ang Swee Chuan, Deputy President of the BCFA; Dr Chan Sui Kiat, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, BSB; Hj Shazali Dato Sulaiman, President of the Brunei Darussalam International Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and other invited guests. — Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin