| Danial Norjidi |
INFORMATION and communications technology (ICT), cosmetics, biotechnology and e-commerce are the four key areas the Republic of Korea has identified for cooperation with Brunei, with the Sultanate’s Halal standards in particular considered a strong and attractive feature.
This was shared by Kim Young-sun, Secretary-General of the Asean-Korea Centre in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin yesterday.
The Asean-Korea Centre is an international organisation mandated to promote economic and socio-cultural cooperation between Asean member states and Korea.
The centre, together with Brunei’s Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT) organised an investment and market research mission as well as a product development workshop in the Sultanate from July 20-22.
“We have been doing a lot of activities to raise awareness on Asean and Asean culture among the Korean people, because we perceive Asean and its member states as very important partners for us,” said the secretary-general. “So we have been carrying out a variety of activities with Asean as a group as well through bilateral cooperation. This time we are here to promote cooperation with Brunei in a bilateral context.”
Asked for his and the delegation’s impression of Brunei’s business environment, he said, “In short, we are very much fascinated by the Brunei Government through EIDPMO, MoFAT, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and other relevant organisations like DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) and FAST; their enthusiasm and professionalism about their work is very impressive, so we are more than satisfied with the work we have done this time.
Kim Young-sun, Secretary-General of the Asean-Korea Centre. – DANIAL NORJIDI
“Even before coming here, we had discussed a lot about which sectors would be the potential for future cooperation. Quite frankly, our cooperation between the two countries is not so lively and active. So we have tried to narrow down what specific sectors would be appropriate for future cooperation.
“Finally we chose four sectors: biotechnology, ICT, cosmetics and e-commerce,” he said.
Sharing on how the recent programme has fared, he said, “We had a very intensive and substantive discussion at the seminar. Your government agencies made an excellent presentation on Brunei’s policy direction and potential areas for cooperation with Korea, and from the Korean side we explained the status of Korean industry and relevant sectors, and then followed by the discussion for potential cooperation and B2B (business-to-business) meeting. Also, the investment mission made an on-site visit to the companies who are already operating here. So they got to have first-hand information on the spot.”
Our programme has been well-organised by Brunei’s Government agencies,” he added.
Kim Young-sun said that Brunei has a lot to offer Korean businesses, particularly through its involvement with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
He noted that Brunei is one of the founding members of the TPP, and said that if it comes into force, there are a lot of advantages Brunei can enjoy.
“So if Korean companies advance to Brunei and operate business, then that company would benefit from the TPP status. That is one of the examples.”
He also noted Brunei’s strategic location. “Even though Brunei’s market is not big, it can play a role as a hub of certain sectors. For example, you are very strong in ICT… with the underwater cables already installed, and your government seems to place importance on R&D.”
The secretary-general spoke highly of Brunei’s Halal standards. “Particularly, the Halal certification is a very strong point, and very attractive. Many of the Korean companies who are participating this time have shown a strong interest in Halal certification and Halal industry cooperation with Brunei companies.
“It is not only food items, but cosmetics that need Halal certification. Korea’s cosmetic industry is very strong, not only in this region but across the globe. So I personally think the Halal industry is a very promising area of cooperation between our two countries.
“Our delegation had an in-depth discussion with the Halal association of Brunei yesterday, and I heard that the discussion was very intensive and very substantive,” he said. “There is growing interest in Korea about Halal.”
He said that the visiting Korean businesses were very enthusiastic of what they had seen.
He added, however, “a good impression is one thing. Inputting the money into a real business is another, so it will take time, but my impression from them is that they are quite positive.”
Speaking on the Asean-Korea Centre’s future plans for Brunei, he said, “As a Korean diplomat, I firmly believe the mutual understanding will constitute a sound and firm basis for cooperation. To that, people-to-people exchange and understanding of culture are very important.
“So next month I will be bringing some university students to Brunei to participate in a homestay programme. They are going to stay at the Kampong Ayer, and they will also get to go to Ulu Temburong, so they will be excited by the beauty of Brunei’s nature.
“We will bring around 12 Korean students, while Brunei university students as well as Asean students residing here will join us too. So they will all get to mingle with each other and exchange views.”
He also noted that the centre will be inviting companies from Asean member states, including 10 from Brunei, to take part in a trade fair focused on the food and beverage industry this November.
On the sidelines, an Asean Culinary Festival showcasing Asean food, including Bruneian cuisine, will be introduced to Korean people to help them better understand Asean culture.
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