| James Kon |
WITH its long history of success in the agricultural sector, Taiwan could provide assistance to Brunei in producing quality agricultural products through the transfer of innovative methods, as well as providing expert advice to local farmers.
The opportunity for mutual cooperation was raised by Jason Wan, the representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam, during a recent tour of the Taiwanese United Agri-Fishery Market Sdn Bhd (UAF) farm, located at the Tanah Jambu Agricultural Development Area.
With the aim of producing large quantities of watermelon, sweet melon and cherry tomatoes for the local market, UAF has made a $1 million investment in the project.
“Through agriculture, we can also provide assistance in Brunei’s diversification drive, so that its economy should not be too reliant on oil and gas,” said Wan.
He expressed the hope that the government of Brunei Darussalam would facilitate the needs of the farmers such as reducing the quarantine periods of imported seedlings.
Jason Wan, the representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam, posing for picture with Su Guo Jyh, the former director-general of Taichung City Government Agricultural Bureau, as well as Yang Jui Lin and Bob Hsieh, both from Taiwanese United Agri-Fishery Market Sdn Bhd (UAF), at a sweet melon orchard inside a greenhouse
Jason Wan trying a slice of locally produced Taiwanese watermelon. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON
Meanwhile, Su Guo Jyh, the former director-general of Taichung City Government Agricultural Bureau, who was also present at the tour, said: “Ten years ago, we tried to promote agricultural investment from Taiwan to Brunei, as we felt there was good opportunity for cooperation.”
On the role of UAF, he said: “It’s taking a historic step to establish a farm here, in the hope of producing quality fruit and vegetables for the local market.”
Also present during the UAF tour was Lim Kian Liong, the Managing Director of the Pertama Jaya Department Store and the supermarket’s senior management.
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