| Azlan Othman |
MINISTER at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah said companies with expertise can tender for government projects, provided they fulfil the terms and conditions, while for small tenders and normal jobs all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to join in.
He was responding to a query by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad on small players to get tender such as i-Usahawan and BSP Venture, at the fourth day of the LegCo meeting yesterday.
On another note, the minister also said a Government-Linked Company (GLC), namely Ghanim International, is working with the private sector to develop the product standards and explore the local products to export market where branding, cost competitiveness and standard of products and so on are also taken into account.
This is an example where GLC is working with the private sector to develop the food industry.
The minister was responding to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu’s query on action taken by ministries involved in strengthening the economy.
On a query by LegCo member and Penghulu of Mukim Bokok Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu on the development in the Temburong District, the minister said a sub-committee on economic development has been established and that the ecosystem at the district will be protected when promoting tourism.
Investors including those residing in the Temburong District are encouraged to invest for the Brunei’s Green Jewel. The Temburong District Development Authority has also been established.
On efforts to assist local investors wishing to invest abroad as raised by LegCo member and Village Head of Kampong Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun and Pelumpong Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, the minister said the
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam can communicate with their counterparts for detailed deliberations.
He added that if they want their local franchises to penetrate the foreign market, they need to understand the market beforehand.
Meanwhile, on extending financial planning and literacy as raised by LegCo member and Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, the Minister of Home Affairs who is also the Deputy Chairman of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said many plans have been made by the AMBD to create awareness to the public.
In its outreach programme, AMBD is planning to work with other financial institutions and those giving assistance to the underprivileged like the Brunei Islamic Religious Council.