Brunei presented itself as a strategic base for businesses looking to expand into Southeast Asia and the connecting region at the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) inaugural investment seminar in Chennai, held at the ITC Grand Chola on November 6.
BEDB Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daniel Leong highlighted the country’s potential as a gateway to ASEAN and regional markets during the seminar ‘Weaving New Connections: The Brunei-Chennai Story’. The event brought together over 100 business leaders from India and Brunei, spotlighting investment opportunities in Brunei’s diversifying economy.
Leong emphasised Brunei’s low-tax regime, strategic location and increasing number of trade agreements as key factors that make it an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The country’s political stability, commitment to environmental sustainability and freedom from major natural disasters further strengthen its appeal.
Brunei’s five priority sectors – downstream oil and gas, food, information and communication technology, services and tourism – are seeking FDI. The seminar featured panel discussions with Indian companies operating in these sectors.
CEO and founder of Polygel Luv Shah highlighted Brunei’s potential for Indian businesses seeking raw materials, energy sources and opportunities in knowledge-based industries. He praised Brunei’s conducive business environment, government support and infrastructure development initiatives.
BEDB, as the focal agency for foreign investment, offers tailored support through its Investors’ Concierge service and manages 27 industrial parks across Brunei. It also fosters synergies with FDIs to enhance supply chain integration and support long-term growth through its enterprise development arm, Darussalam Enterprise (DARe).
The seminar coincided with the resumption of direct air connectivity between Brunei and India, with Royal Brunei Airlines launching its inaugural flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Chennai on November 5. This event is part of the Brunei-India Business Exchange Mission, led by BEDB, which includes one-on-one meetings, site visits and a Brunei Night event to showcase the Sultanate’s tourism and cultural attractions.
BEDB plans to host a follow-up visit in Brunei for prospective Indian FDIs following the Chennai programme.
Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner to India Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha attended the seminar. – Lyna Mohamad
