BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Technology and innovation are essential to enhancing food security, particularly for small economies with limited arable land, said Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin during the 11th Apec Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China on Tuesday (Aug 25).
Key initiatives include the application of artificial intelligence, automation, drones, Internet of Things and solar-powered technologies in smart farming and aquaculture, as well as research into hybrid rice in collaboration with international partners.
The minister reaffirmed the Sultanate’s commitment to strengthening regional food security through productive, sustainable, resilient and innovative agrifood systems, highlighting three key priorities: strengthening food production capacity through agricultural innovation and climate-smart technologies; facilitating food trade through value-added production, improved cold-chain logistics and regional cooperation; and revitalising rural communities by promoting digital connectivity, agritourism, land development and greater youth participation in modern agriculture.
He also iterated that Brunei Darussalam remains committed to build domestic technological capabilities, strengthening regional partnerships and translating Apec cooperation into practical solutions towards a resilient, regenerative and sustainable agrifood system.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf led the Brunei delegation and was accompanied by Permanent Secretary (Economic Policies Coordination) at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Datin Hasnah Ibrahim.
The meeting was chaired by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China Zhang Zhu and attended by delegations from the Apec member economies and representatives from the Apec Business Advisory Council, Asean, Pacific Economic Cooperation Council and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Under the 2026 theme, ‘Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together’, the meeting underscored a shared regional commitment to strengthen food security by advancing productive, sustainable, resilient and innovative agrifood systems, harnessing modern technologies and deepening regional cooperation.
The meeting also focused on leveraging agricultural science, technological innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers to address food security challenges, enhance agricultural and rural development, and lay a stronger foundation for shared prosperity.
At the conclusion of the Ministerial Meeting, ministers from Apec member economies adopted the Principles for Strengthening Food Systems Resilience in the Apec region through Innovation and Digitalization and issued the Joint Statement on the 11th Apec Food Security Ministerial Meeting. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
