Brunei Darussalam is committed to strengthening the food system by accelerating the production growth of the agriculture and fisheries sector; promoting both domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI); and increasing productivity through the use of technology to meet domestic demand and for export.
This was stated by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud during the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UN FSS) 2021 held virtually yesterday.
“Food security remains an important agenda and a major concern for all of us, especially during the pandemic, and has put pressure on our global food system.
“Our collective efforts need to be accelerated to ensure more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food systems to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” he said in a statement.
Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti added that in line with the commitment as well as the priorities identified in the economic blueprint, a food industry roadmap has been prepared to increase the production of safe, Halal, and high-quality food and strengthening the value chain of food system.
Among other things, the strategic initiatives outlined in the roadmap are to increase production; promote high-value added activities including research and development through FDI and government linked-companies (GLCs); provide conducive industrial infrastructure; increase volume and value of export by improving business competitiveness with better access to the international market; increase the food processing industries by capitalising on sub-regional and regional value chains in sourcing cost-effective raw materials; and to ensure sustainable environment by encouraging business communities to adopt green practices through resource restoration and regeneration.
The minister hoped that the nation’s continuous efforts would ensure that the food system remains robust and sustainable, even during times of uncertainty. It requires concerted efforts not just at the national level but also at regional and international levels. Thus, the Sultanate looks forward to jointly implementing the various initiatives out of the UN Food System Summit towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
The summit brought together all UN member states and constituencies around the world. The official opening started with keynote remarks from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Different sessions were held, featuring statements from heads of state and government, multi-stakeholder commitments to action, constituency voices, and pre-eminent people to bring about tangible, positive changes to the world’s food systems.