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SINGAPORE SIGNS MOU WITH BRUNEI DARUSSALAM TO PROMOTE ENHANCED COLLABORATION IN FOOD, AGRICULTURE, AND NATURE CONSERVATION

1    Singapore's Ministry of National Development (MND) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam to promote collaboration in the areas of food, agri-technology, agriculture, fisheries, and nature and biodiversity conservation. The agreement will enhance the partnership between both ministries, and further strengthen bilateral relations.

2    The MOU was signed today in Bandar Seri Begawan by Singapore's Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, and Brunei's Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya Bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar. Minister Mah is currently in Brunei as part of the 14th Singapore-Brunei Exchange Visit, which is being held from 13-15 March 2009.

3    The MOU identifies four key areas for further cooperation:

1. Information networking and exchange: Both countries will exchange relevant professional information and reference materials covering areas such as infectious animal and plant diseases, food production, biodiversity studies and nature conservation and other related disciplines;



2. Capacity building and human resource development: Officials from both ministries will share their expertise and experience in areas covering food, agri-technology, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity and nature conservation.



3. Promotion and facilitation of trade and investment: The MOU promotes and supports the cultivation of a closer relationship between the private sectors of the identified industries, with exchanges of information to facilitate trade and investment;



4. Research and development: The agreement paves the way for the establishment of R&D facilities and joint research projects.

4    The MOU will be implemented by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and the National Parks Board (NParks), working in close collaboration with the departments in charge of agriculture, fisheries and forestry in the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources in Brunei Darussalam.

5    Speaking after the MOU signing ceremony, Minister Mah said, "The two ministries in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam have always enjoyed a close and cooperative relationship. This MOU takes our partnership to the next level. It opens new doors for collaboration and for the sharing of expertise and experiences in areas like primary production, biodiversity research and nature conservation. We encourage our private sectors to work hand-in-hand with us, and with one another, to leverage on this enhanced partnership to enjoy greater returns."

6    The "Heart of Borneo" (HoB) initiative represents one area that may see further collaboration between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam, along with Indonesia and Malaysia, are partners in this initiative. The rich biodiversity that exists in Borneo rivals that found in the Amazon and the Congo. Its endowment of forestry resources is an important carbon sink which contributes significantly to the global reduction of greenhouse gas. Singapore applauds and supports such a regional initiative to promote the sustainability of its natural heritage.

7    Minister Mah said, "I hope that through deeper collaboration between the two ministries, we can learn from Brunei's unique experience and work together with Brunei to contribute to the Heart of Borneo initiative. We will be exploring with Brunei collaboration in areas such as biodiversity surveys, management of nature reserves and outreach programmes to educate our younger generation about nature conservation."

8    Please refer to Annex for photo of the MOU signing ceremony.

Issued by:	Ministry of National Development (MND)
Date:	14 March 2009

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ANNEX

From left to right:

1. Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources (Brunei), Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah Bin Haji Abd Wahab,
2. Minister of Industry and Primary Resources (Brunei), Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya Bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar
3. Minister for National Development (Singapore), Mr Mah Bow Tan

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Last updated on 14 March 2009