Brunei's Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) minister, Pehin Bakar said there are still opportunities and potentials to expand the seafood processing industry and increase the production of processed seafood products.

 

In 2007, the fisheries industry was valued at B$97.9 million, where B$83.29 million came from the fishing sector, B$6.26 million from the aquaculture sector and $8.29 million from the seafood processing sector.

 

Local fish revenues have achieved 88 percent of the living cost on the needs of fresh fish.

 

This means the country still imports fish, particularly those that cannot be produced locally such as salmon, and processes canned seafood products.

 

Bakar said it is the responsibility of all to ensure that imported fish and seafood are free from diseases, safe and hygienic to be consumed.

 

The country must enforce procedures and regulations for the importation of fish and seafood products to ensure the safety of food products and the advancement of the fisheries industry.

 

In the ministry's responsibilities to diversify the country's economy, MIPR faces several challenges that vitally need the resource management from all parties, private sector in particular, he said.

 

At the same time, the ministry acts as the convenient tool in establishing the cooperation synergy between the private and the government.

 

On the nation's food security, he touched on the implementation of actions needed to increase local production capabilities, secure stock resources management and follow regulations through the Food Commodity Trade Cooperation agreement and manage reserves or food products stock resources to balance the supplies brought through importation.

 

 

Besides advancing and developing the fisheries industry to grow faster, there is a need to be sensitive to the continuity of the resources and productive areas where the growing and breeding of fishes take place.

 

It is vital for these areas to be looked after and controlled in ensuring that these sources of fisheries will not be extinct and continue to be enjoyed by the future generation.

 

This is also one reason for the Department of Fisheries to implement the Fisheries Output Moratorium in Zone 1 effective Jan 1, 2008.

 

US$1 = BND1.51 (Feb 2)