| Azlan Othman |
BRUNEI Darussalam is seeking Research and Development (R&D) expertise from China to develop its small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
During a dialogue session between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) and visiting China-Asean Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) Secretariat officials in the capital yesterday, local businessman Haji Abdul Rahman bin Sirat said that Brunei entrepreneurs are eager to establish R&D with experts from China.
One of those potential areas of collaboration is the manufacture and export of prawn crackers.
“We have received requests for six containers of prawn crackers to be shipped to Japan, but we can only send one container as we don’t have the R&D to further develop the processed food to taste better,” Haji Abdul Rahman said, adding, “Japanese companies have faith in Brunei Halal-certified products.
“Brunei is also seeking China’s expertise to assist local SMEs with the overseas export of their products,” he said.
He Xialong, the Secretary-General of the CABIS Secretariat, said in her response, “If there is demand and supply, we can do that.”
Another local businessman, Haji Muslim, said that Brunei still required more imported goods to develop its manufacturing sector.
“We see China as a big potential market, and Brunei needs China more than China needs Brunei,” he said.
He Xialong replied, “In the Brunei-Guangxi Corridor cooperation, six projects have been proposed and two implemented, including fisheries and the Muara Port terminal, which is operated by the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Port Group.”
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam President Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib (centre), Secretary-General of the CABIS Secretariat He Xialong and other officials at the dialogue session. – AZLAN OTHMAN
Meanwhile, local Chinese businessman Lim Chai Hoon said that smaller businesses from China are needed to partner with local Bruneian businesses.
“We already have big Chinese companies like Hengyi, which is involved in the Pulau Muara Besar project, along with the China State Construction Engineering Co Ltd for the mega Temburong bridge project linking the capital to the Green Jewel district,” he added.
Early in the session, NCCIBD President Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib announced that Brunei Darussalam will be taking part in the upcoming China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China.
He said that Brunei is currently focusing on the development of local SMEs.
“We want to empower them by making Brunei products available in the foreign market. We want to put on a good show at the upcoming annual CAEXPO.
“Over 100 local companies are expected to showcase their products, which is an increase in the number of local participants,” he said.
He Xialong revealed that the CABIS Secretariat is seeking further trade and economic ties between Brunei and China, as well as a more proactive role among CEOs, business leaders and government officials from both countries.
She also announced that the tourism sector will be high on the agenda of the China Asean Business Investment Summit, which will take place later this year.
Earlier, CABIS Secretariat officials met with officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT), the Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO) and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise).
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