From Mahanum Abdul Aziz
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 31 (Bernama) — The Brunei government expects
to launch its first Agro Technology Park in 2011, said Normah S.H.
Jamil, acting director of the Agriculture Department of the Industry
and Primary Resources Ministry.
She said the park would be developed on a 263-hectare site close to the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.
The ground breaking ceremony is expected to be held in October
this year, she told reporters on the sidelines of the Fourth
International Halal Products Expo 2009 (IHP Expo 2009) here Friday.
Normah said the Brunei government would invest B$200 million for
the infrastructure works such as roads, water and electricity supply.
So far, about 20 foreign companies have shown their interest to open their operation at the park, she said.
The Agro Technology Park is one of major new development promoted
by the Brunei government through the Industry and Primary Resources
Ministry as part of its diversification strategy to promote sectors
other than oil and oil-based activities.
The park will be a venue for the food development, research and
innovation for value-added processing of agriculture products and
agribusiness incubator.
The IHP Expo 2009, which ends here on August 2 is being held at
the International Convention Centre in Berakas. It is jointly organised
by Brunei Industry and Primary Resources Industry, Ministry of Health
amd Ministry of Religious Affairs.
A total of 135 companies are showcasing their halal products and services at the expo.
— BERNAMA
