国际英语新闻:ASEAN agriculture, fisheries cooperation helps Brunei diversify economy: minister

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Agriculture and fisheries cooperation among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will help Brunei expand its economy and strengthen its diversification efforts, the country's Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Haji Ali said Saturday.

The minister made the remarks at the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the 41st Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers’ on Agriculture and Forestry (SOM-41st AMAF) in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.

In his opening speech, Haji Ali said that cooperation under AMAF is important to Brunei. In addition to opening opportunities to develop the country’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors, the collaboration will also assist the country in pursuing its vision to further accelerate the growth of output in these sectors, which will contribute to the growth and diversification of the country’s economy towards achieving Brunei vision 2035.

The minister added that another important factor to achieve rapid and continuous growth in agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors for Brunei is promoting the use of modern technology and techniques

"This is very important to increase the sectors’ productivity and enhance the sectors’ international competitiveness,” he said.

After SOM-41st AMAF, Brunei will also host the 41st AMAF, the 19th AMAF plus Three(China, Japan and South Korea) on Oct. 15-16.