Ms. Benavidez finds udang rostris better than breeds produced in the Philippines- Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Ms. Virginia H. Benavidez recently visited the Meragang Hatchery in Muara to explore possible cooperation between Brunei and the Philippines in shrimp culture and production.

The Ambassador was greeted by Manager of SemaunPrim Haji Mohd. Usop Haji Abd. Razak Sidi and General Manager and Aquaculture Consultant of Seiwa Corporation Ramon Agbayani.

Apart from a tour around the hatchery, the Ambassador was also shown various activities in the breeding of "udang rostris" fry. After the tour, Haji Usop and Agbayani gave a comprehensive briefing on the culture of udang rostris in Brunei.

The Ambassador noted that udang rostris was better than the breeds of shrimp produced in the Philippines. Later, Ms. Benavidez was brought to the Semaun's seafood processing plant at the Serasa Industrial Complex and shrimp ponds in Mentiri, where she observed the shrimp packaging process and production of shrimps.

During the tour, she expressed great interest in pursuing cooperation with relevant agencies and companies in Brunei for possible introduction of udang rostris in the Philippines. She said the Philippines will benefit from local technical expertise and experience in the breeding and production of udang rostris.

"That is another important area of cooperation. The sharing of knowledge and experience in shrimp production will undoubtedly be beneficial to both countries," said the Ambassador.