| Biotechnology |
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Status and Market Trends: The development of biotechnology in horticulture and natural product could be partly met by the existing facilities in Brunei Agriculture Research Centre (BARC) The collaboration with the Biology Department, University of Brunei Darussalam can upgrade BARC to become the nucleus for in-house biotech development activities, such as bio-farming of medicinal plants for natural pharmaceuticals and bio-engineering on mass production of highyielding crops and disease resistant plants. Brunei Darussalam is rich in bio-diversity, with around 5,000 species of Angiosperms, offering a spectrum of plant genetic resources. Brunei can establish industrial activity for the production and export of specific plants that have considerable market potential through the utilization of micro-propagation techniques, for example, producing ornamental and high-value flowering plants like indigenous orchids and tropical fruit trees for international markets. In food biotechnology, the processing of agro-based food products using latest technology like the recombinant of DNA also offers great potential. The Department of Agriculture's intention is to invite potential investors in this industry to establish their base in the proposed Agro Technology Park Project and operate their business and services here, and at the same time targeting both regional and international markets. OPPORTUNITY : (1) Biotechnology in Horticulture - Pharmaceutical (medicines, health food products, vitamins, tablet, syrup, animal vaccines) and Life science (2) Food Biotechnology MARKET SETTING AND TRENDS: (1) Biotechnology in Horticulture Good potential but need to further study in order to cater both domestic and international markets. Establishment of tissue culture laboratory was initiated in 1987 and followed by work on medicinal plants under ASEAN-AUSTRALIA Biotechnology Project in 1989-1993. In 1995 books on medicinal plant of Brunei Darussalam were published to serve as database. (2) Food Technology Traditional fermented locally produced products such as shrimp paste, fermented rice, and preserved meat are examples of products that offer market potential. REMARKS:(1) Biotechnology in Horticulture Tissue culturing of mushroom and ornamental plant (pitcher plant) is successfully implemented to maintain species and multiplication of spawns or plant material for commercial production. Preliminary work on antimicrobial screening, phytochemical evaluation and extraction of flavours and aromatic compounds have been carried out. (2) Food Technology The existing local products need further improvement in processing, packaging as well as product presentation. SUPPORT FACILITIES The government policies have been supportive towards investment in agriculture and agro-based food products. The Department of Agriculture will be in-hand to provide assistant to potential investors in areas that includes: • Leasing of semi-developed land and industrial site at a reasonable minimum rate for a mutually agreeable period. • Provision of basic infrastructures (access road , drainage, irrigation, portable water and electricity). • Application on Special Tax breaks for declared pioneer industries and products. • Assistance from the Department of Agriculture and a host of other support facilities. • The proposed agro-technology park aim to conduct scientific work and biotech innovation and commercial operation may serve as knowledge-based service provider. Further Enquiry: |
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STATUS AND MARKET TRENDS
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