| Azlan Othman |
SEVERAL efforts have been undertaken to optimise trade between Indonesia and Brunei, Nurul Qomar, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam, said yesterday.
However, she admitted that results achieved so far are far from expectation.
In the first nine months of this year (January-September), total trade between the two countries stood at $160.5 million with a trade surplus of $11.36 million in favour of Indonesia.
The economic and trade ties fluctuate from year to year, the envoy said at a gathering to discuss the progress and challenges in bilateral economic and trade relations between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia.
Over 100 local entrepreneurs attended the event held at The Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong.
The gathering served as a good platform for exploring and analysing the present and future ties between the two countries for mutual benefit, she added.
Meanwhile, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy, Eko Himawan, said from January to September 2016, Brunei’s export to Indonesia totalled $74.6 million while imports stood at $85.9 million.
Last year, Brunei’s exports amounted to $140.8 million while imports totalled $121.4 million.
Eko Himawan, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in the country. – AZLAN OTHMAN
Nurul Qomar, Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam (C), at the gathering.
Some of the local entrepreneurs attending the gathering.
Eko also highlighted activities that have taken place to boost trade ties between Brunei and Indonesia including the Consumer Fair at the International Convention Centre (ICC); Brunei International Trade and Consumer Exhibition at BRIDEX in Jerudong; BIMP-EAGA Expo at The Airport Mall; and KLIH Fair at ICC that saw participation of Indonesian entrepreneurs.
Brunei’s trade delegation also took part in the International Handicraft and Trade Fair (INACRAFT) Buying Mission in Jakarta; Trade Expo in Jakarta; 3rd BIMP-EAGA and Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trade Expo in Makassar.
During a question-and-answer session, Fauziah binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib from the Brunei Darussalam National Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged for more business-to-business engagement with Indonesian counterparts to explore new areas, especially e-commerce activities, also calling on the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce to plan events targeting collaboration with its Bruneian counterparts.
Eko Himawan said the embassy is trying to engage the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in this regard, adding that they are open to discussions and suggestions.
Haji Osman bin Haji Omar, a member of Federation of Brunei Malay Entrepreneurs (PPPMB), Padi Corporation and BIMP East Asia Business Council (EABC), called on the embassy to support local business projects and set up a committee of Indonesian and Brunei business chamber members for mutual business benefit.
Responding to this, Eko said the embassy is striving to invite as many business people as possible to interact and look for business opportunities in Brunei.
Haji Ahmad Besar bin Haji Salleh from PSK Logistics Sdn Bhd thanked the embassy for the cooperation rendered to his company in export and import and wished to further enhance ties in logistics and shipping.
Meanwhile, Haji Alias bin Haji Metussin, owner of Sahamada Corporation which specialises in chilli sauces, raised the problem of exporting products to Indonesia where Halal products from other countries are not accepted.
He also highlighted Indonesian authorities’ requirements to have pre-sale certificate from exporting countries. There is an influx of Indonesian products in Brunei Darussalam and this is not the case with Brunei products in Indonesia. He urged the embassy to facilitate reciprocal arrangements.
Eko said each country has its own Halal certification which one should refer to. In the context of promoting intra-Asean trade, there are matters still under negotiation such as related to customs, transportation and we hope to reach an agreement as soon as possible on these issues.
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