Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) recently organized a roundtable conference at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel in Sydney, Australia, to discuss investment and business opportunities in Brunei Darussalam. The meeting was attended by potential investors, including company representatives from various sectors such as renewable energy, technology, business transformation, and industrial infrastructure.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide participants with a clear overview of the business landscape in Brunei, highlight the priority sectors that are identified under the Economic Blueprint for Brunei Darussalam, and introduce the investment facilitation services offered by BEDB. The seminar commenced with a speech by Daniel Leong, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of BEDB, and then Garry Ramlee bin Ibrahim, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Australia, delivered his address. Additionally, the FDI Action & Support Centre (FAST) presented a seminar on potential business opportunities available in Brunei Darussalam.
The presentation shed light on the nation’s efforts to develop the downstream oil and gas sector, food industry, maritime sector, and logistics, and highlighted the emerging linkages and connections between the BIMP-EAGA region (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) and North Asia. Muara Port Company also delivered a presentation during the meeting, focusing on its services, facilities, expansion plans, and its crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods.
This roundtable meeting took place a day after the BEDB’s participation in the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum held at the Sydney International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The forum aimed to strengthen economic and trade ties between Australia and the ASEAN region. Further, during his recent state visit to Australia, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei engaged in discussions with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, which led to the establishment of a new partnership. The leaders expressed their commitment to collaborate on various important issues, including the pursuit of net-zero targets and the enhancement of maritime security.
The newly formed partnership between Australia and Brunei covers a wide range of areas, such as trade and investment, improving food security, ensuring maritime security, and facilitating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Notably, defense cooperation holds particular significance for Brunei, emphasizing the mutual interest in strengthening this aspect of the partnership. The Sultanate of Brunei and Australia share a deep-rooted and enduring relationship that was officially established on May 5, 1984. Over the years, these two nations have formed robust cooperation in numerous fields, including education, trade and investment, defense, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. This close bond has been reinforced through a series of significant state visits and serves as a testament to the strength of their partnership.
