In a significant stride towards bolstering food security and fostering agri-technology innovation, Brunei and Singapore have embarked on a joint venture to establish the Brunei-Singapore Agri-Tech Food Zone (ATFZ). This initiative, spearheaded by Brunei’s Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) in collaboration with Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Singapore Food Agency, aims to fortify food supply resilience for both nations while attracting high-value investments and creating employment opportunities within the agri-food sector.
The ATFZ is poised to leverage Brunei’s abundant land resources and its economic diversification goals, coupled with Singapore’s prowess in agri-technology, regulatory frameworks, and market connectivity. This synergy is expected to catalyze the development of a competitive agri-food ecosystem, facilitating the production, processing, and export of high-quality food products to regional and global markets. The initiative underscores the commitment of both countries to fostering agri-technology innovation and positioning themselves as regional leaders in sustainable and technology-driven agri-food production.
The joint feasibility study on the ATFZ follows a series of high-level discussions between Brunei and Singapore. In July, senior government officers from both countries convened for their third joint committee meeting to deepen collaboration in priority sectors, including food security, healthcare, low carbon energy, and the green economy. Hajah May Fa’ezah Ahmad Ariffin, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, emphasized the importance of resilience and innovation in enhancing competitiveness and adaptability, urging focused implementation, timely delivery, and measurable results.
The meeting was attended by permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, and senior government officials and representatives from both nations. This collaborative effort builds on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strengthening trade and investment cooperation in food and medical products, as well as the MoU on cooperation in energy and the green economy.
The strong bilateral relations between Brunei and Singapore are well-established, with leaders on both sides maintaining close personal ties and engaging in regular exchanges at all levels. The two nations have long-standing arrangements, such as the Currency Interchangeability Agreement, and cooperate extensively in defence, finance, trade and investment, tourism, health, aquaculture, and education. As close partners in ASEAN and other international fora, Brunei and Singapore continue to demonstrate their commitment to regional cooperation and mutual growth.
The establishment of the ATFZ is a testament to the enduring partnership between Brunei and Singapore, highlighting their shared vision for a sustainable and resilient future. By leveraging their respective strengths and fostering innovation, both countries are poised to make significant strides in the agri-food sector, ultimately benefiting their economies and populations.