By Kartika Rahman
The Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah bin Hj Abd Wahab, officially launched the Local Agri-food and Handicraft Market as a tourist destination, yesterday. The Market is located at the Horticulture Business Centre in Rimba Gadong.
Also present at the launching ceremony was Dato Paduka Hj Hamid bin Hj Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and Deputy Chairman of the Brunei Tourism Board (BTB), Pg Hjh Mariana bte Pg Dipa Negara Laila DiRaja Pg Hj Abd Momin, Director of Agriculture as Chairperson and Custodian of the Agri-Food and Handicraft Market and the Rimba Garden Centre, as well as tourists and representatives from travel agents, hotel agencies and airlines.
The Market has been in operation since October 2005, where it was opened by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry. After a creative initiative to refocus its efforts, the Market is now officially another tourist hot spot in the nation.
In his opening speech, Dato Hamdillah said that the government is targeting a seven per cent growth in Tourism this year.
"Over the last few months or so, many in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry launched new products," he said.
"High- and medium-end local hotels also reported better room occupancy compared to last year, showing a growth in tourism."
"It goes without saying that Public Sector contribution is just as important as Private Sector initiatives in developing our young Tourism industry," the Deputy Minister added.
The Deputy Minister expressed the hopes of MIPR that local Micro Enterprises and SMEs, specifically food processors and handicrafts entrepreneurs, would "capitalise on the opportunities made possible by this Local Agri-Food and Handicraft Market".
"This will not only promote the Market as an additional Brunei's Tourist Destination, but also enable it to be a venue to generate additional income through local creativity in handicraft and agricultural production, thus laying the groundwork for Brunei Export Drive," he said.
Dato Hamdillah took the opportunity to recognise the collaborative efforts of the Public Sector, namely project sponsors MIPR and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, for their contribution to the enhancement of Brunei's Tourism Industry.
The Local Agri-Food and Handicraft Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm. It is divided into three sections, namely Processed Agri-food section, Handicraft section and an Art Gallery displaying the works of local talents from the Persatuan Pelukis Brunei (Brunei Artists' Association). As many as 30 Agri-food vendors are available, promoting and exhibiting local products such as crackers, biscuits, cakes and local chili sauce. The Handicraft section hosts producers and exhibitors of Kain Tenunan Brunei (Brunei Woven Fabrics), Batik souvenirs, embroideries, Songkok and paintings. The booths are rented out at a minimal amount, so as to encourage the participation of local vendors. In addition, cultural stage performances are showcased from 10am to 11am and from 3pm to 4pm during operating hours.
The Deputy Minister summed up his speech by urging tourist guides, hotels and travel agencies to "offer Rimba Garden as a must stopover, as it is conveniently located at the heart of the city".
"With both private and public sectors' concerted efforts, success is eminent in encouraging clients, guests and Brunei's tourists to visit this Tamu on weekends to keep it alive and growing.
"Perhaps in the future, the Rimba Garden Centre will become an iconic attraction of Brunei such as the famous Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok, thus promoting Tourism as a sustainable industry in the country," said Dato Hamdillah.
For more information regarding the Local Agri-Food and Handicraft Market, visit Agri-Business Info Centre located at the premises during the Market's operating hours.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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