`Consult shrimp breeders'

BRUNEI - Shrimp breeders want a say in the policies the Government is drawing up to ensure that the aquaculture sector develops and becomes competitive in the export market.

Nasrul Hakim Othman who runs SKota Sdn Bhd, which has exported shrimp since the early 1990s, said the sector would achieve the revenue target of $200 million by 2023 as envisioned by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, if local breeders are consulted for policymaking.

``There is a need for relevant government agencies to support local entrepreneurs who are still facing various problems in expanding their business to the international market,'' said Nasrul.

These problems include strict loan regulations imposed on breeders and local marketing barriers. ``I've applied for a loan and a year has passed but it is yet to be approved,'' he said. ``I have also tried to apply for a trader's license to sell my produce at the Gadong market but all efforts proved futile,'' he said.

Source: Brunei Times