The Small Play A Big Role In Diversifying Economy
By Alfred Yong Fob Sen

Bandarseri Begawan - Turn Tutong district into a centre for developing and processing halal products that can provide export opportunities that will form part of the economic diversification effort.

This was a call made by Orang Kaya Jaya Putera Dato Paduka Hj Muhammad Taha Abd Rauf, state representative for the district at the recent State Legislative Council meeting.

This is a breath of fresh air with respect to developing the district.

In 1981, a comprehensive agricultural survey of the Ulu Tutong-Ulu Belait InterRiverine region was conducted by ULG Consultant of UK on behalf of Brunei Shell Petroleum who sponsored the project.

In the last quarter of 2007, there were many calls to further boost the farming sector in view of the drastic decline in agriculture production which has affected its contribution to the nation's economic output.

His Majesty the Sultan in his address at the opening of the State Legislative Council meeting also gave top priority to the development of agriculture not only in terms of diversifying the economy but also to raise the country's standard of living.

It is now more than a quarter of a century since the comprehensive agricultural survey was conducted. The development of agriculture in Tutong district still has not achieved what the it is more than capable of especially with its fertile agricultural land and highly skilled farmers, in particular, those indigenous paddy planters.

Definitely, the slow pace of development in the farm sector has a drastic impact on skill preservation of the rice farmers.

In the long run, the question will be whether the new generation will have the initiative and ability to take on the skills, which are handed down to them and to improve them so that the new generation with improved skills to carve out a livelihood and be self-employed.

However, one must remember that this new generation is the "lucky" one that is able to enjoy fully the fruits from oil and gas income and have different aspirations and outlook in life. Actually, majority do not even have the opportunity to step into a paddy field or experience rural life where growing food and becoming selfsufficient are as natural as drinking water.

In times of bounty, food production may seem to be less of a priority but we are living in a troubled world from which Brunei cannot be totally isolated. Yes, it will be crucial, amounting to a life and death situation, if and when there are food shortages round the world either through manifestations of climate change, war, hoarding or excessive consumption.

In fact, the recent event in Egypt where many civilians were killed and injured due to the shortage of bread in the country has alarmed the rest of the Middle East as to the importance of food security to a growing population.

A recent study by Masters Students of the Centre of Islamic Banking, Finance and Management, Universiti Brunei Darussalam shows the potential of developing the local handicraft sector in Tutong district. However, it too will remain unrealised if nothing is to be done to further promote the development of this sector and to preserve vital skills.

The development of agriculture, fishing industry and the handicraft sectors is not totally dependent upon skills.

Their ability to access to capital needed to improve production and sales including future expansion also matters. Most of these producers are small, self-employed entities that require a type of financial services and products other than those currently offered by financial institutions in the country.

More attention should be accorded these microenterprises and also the self-employed skilled producers if we need to raise the standard of living and reduce unemployment, and the same time achieve a "producer society" status.

It is without any doubt the Brunei society has evolved into a heavily entrenched "consumer society" driven by the vast revenues from oil and gas. Recently, Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Jumat, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources called for the Brunei society to "think producer not consumer".

This would require a change of mindset, social habits and lifestyle including in the ways our financial institutions conduct their business.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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