IN a bid to be recognised as a competent authority as an exporter of seafood and seafood products by the European Union (EU), the Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources(MIPR) held a seminar yesterday at the Orchid Garden Hotel in Berakas.

The seminar titled, "Export of Seafood Products to EU: Opportunities and Challenges," aimed to explore the opportunities and challenges that Brunei would face in exporting to the EU countries as well as creating awareness about EU import regulations and requirements.

In her opening remarks, Hjh Hasnah Ibrahim, the director of fisheries stated that the department had started its EU initiative in September 2007.

Representatives from the department had met with EU officials from the Health and Consumer Protections Directorate General, DG Sanco and enlisted the aid of a number of consultants from the EU who gave them guidance on how to proceed with the initiative.

She related that the department implemented its first programme in late March, this year, where an EU expert was engaged to perform a gap analysis of the capability, organisation and legal infrastructure in order to assess the Sultanate's "readiness" in becoming a competent authority. She added that the department had also organised a series of capacity building programmes as well as improving and upgrading of current facilities.

The director went on to say that the EU was not the only market being targeted for Brunei's seafood exports. She stated that they were also reviewing the requirements of markets such as the United States, Japan, Australia and Asean member states.

She expressed the importance of "keeping abreast" on food safety updates and developments.

"We are considering third party certification of Brunei's aquaculture facilities, not only to qualify for this enhanced market access but also to ensure buyers around the world that Brunei seafood meets top standards," she said, referring to the US's recent announcement that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will consider third party certification to provide additional assurances for food safety.

Hjh Hasnah also urged for the entrepreneurs to play their role in taking "up their share of the responsibilities" since it was them who were the key players if they wished to export. She said that the department's role was to "expedite access and provide support".

Present at the seminar were MIPR Deputy Permanent Secretary, Pg Hjh Mariana Pg Dipa Negara Laila DiRaja Pg Hj Momin and other representatives from the public and private sectors who were involved in the fisheries sector.

The seminar was facilitated by two guest speakers, Else Marie Andersen and Dr T V Gayathri Rao.

A question and answer session followed the presentation which gave participants a chance to bring up any queries they might have.

The Brunei Times