| Azlan Othman |
BRUNEI Darussalam may be a small market, but it is interesting and rich.
This was pointed out by Nagma M Mallick, High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam, to a delegation from the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPMB) led by Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, President of DPPMB and Chairman of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), during a courtesy call.
“There is a lack of awareness of Brunei Darussalam by Indian businessmen and vice versa despite centuries-old ties in trade and commerce. This is a recurring problem,” she added.
According to Mallick, there are businesses in India showing a keen interest to collaborate with the Sultanate. Based on an arrangement made with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, the Indian Chamber of Commerce from Kolkatta will be in the country to boost trade ties.
The commissioner pointed out that the Halal industry one of Brunei Darussalam’s strengths. “It is of Brunei branding,” she said.
The Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Nagma M Mallick (3R) in a group photo with Bru-nei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Dr Haji Kamaruddin (C). – AZLAN OTHMAN
Mallick also said the pharmaceutical and renewable energy sectors are prominent areas in India that the Sultanate can tap into along with the manufacturing, movie, and computer graphics industries.
“There is a good scope for agri-processing here where India is famous for its mango, melon and so on. We need to diversify the market for Indian mango which is mostly exported to the Middle East. There is also big demand here for Basmati rice,” Mallick added.
Meanwhile, Dr Haji Kamaruddin explained that the DPPMB represents businesses in the country and serves as a focal point for foreign dignitaries to conduct trade with the private sector.
Haji Mahmud bin Daud, Permanent Chairman of DPPMB, pointed out that Brunei imports around 5,000 metric tonnes of meat annually while its production is only recorded at 200 metric tonnes annually. Resulting for the need for meat to be imported from countries like including from India.
“With the stringent Halal tagline here in Brunei Darussalam, Indian businesses could repackage their canned products here in the Sultanate and later export it to the Middle East market,” he said.
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