| Danial Norjidi |
THE Federation of Brunei Malay Entrepreneurs (PPPMB) will be joining a delegation of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) in representing Brunei Darussalam at the upcoming China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China, on September 11-14.
The CAEXPO is an annual trade show that brings together enterprises from Asean member countries to explore the international market by showcasing trade in goods and services.
PPPMB’s involvement at this year’s CAEXPO was highlighted in a press conference yesterday, led by Adi Shamsul bin Haji Sabli, the Permanent Secretary (Industry) at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Also in attendance were several senior PPPMB members including Dr Haji Abdul Latif bin Chuchu, the President; Duraman bin Kassim, the Deputy President for Administration; and Haji Aminorashid bin Haji Ghazali, the Deputy President for Trade.
They disclosed that six PPPMB members will be attending the CAEXPO, where they will have three booths to showcase items which include dry food, handicrafts and locally-made goods.
According to Haji Aminorashid, “The products that we will be bringing are 100 per cent made in Brunei.”
The press conference in progress. – DANIAL NORJIDI
On the subject of CAEXPO, he said, “This is exposure which should provide our members with more encouragement and optimism towards doing business.”
As for their hopes at the CAEXPO, he said, “Of course, PPPMB would like to expand, and certainly we would like to see our members’ businesses grow and make a lot of profits. If you look at the current economic climate, I think we shouldn’t be left behind. We have to pick up as much as we can, learn as much as we can, and of course we have to work intelligently.
“Although we are really eager to work on an international scale, we also have to be cautious about certain external factors,” he said, highlighting the importance of being careful when picking overseas partners to work with.
When asked how they felt about finding a market for their products, Dr Haji Abdul Latif answered, “We are very confident,” adding that they would also be looking out for potential investors in the Brunei market.
PPPMB has participated at the trade fair on a number of occasions, but this is its first entry with the support of a government agency.
When asked whether the experience should be different this time around, Dr Haji Abdul Latif said, “It is totally different, because previously, we went there on our own. We had to rent booths from other people in China. Now it’s totally different with the support of DARE (Darussalam Enterprise) and the Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO). We are very thankful. It’s very encouraging, and the logistics are much easier now.”
Meanwhile, the permanent secretary responded to a question on what the Brunei Government expected from local participation in international trade fairs, saying, “Our objective is simple. It is to see SMEs grow.
“What we are doing, as a facilitating role, is to help in whatever way we can to see SMEs develop and grow in Brunei. One of the ways is through exposure to international markets, and we try to select the right companies to go out. We have criteria that we follow, and we are very transparent about it.
“There are always adverts to welcome any SMEs. I really encourage all SMEs, no matter how large or small you are, to speak to us if you are interested in joining an international event. We will help.
“We’ve been talking to a few young entrepreneurs as well, and have exposed them to this idea about going overseas to help them grow, and they are very keen.
“So the message goes out to all SMEs, particularly if they have a product/service that can be sold within or outside of Brunei: Please join us in helping you to develop your company,” he concluded.
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