The government will continue to work with local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their capacity to ensure there are sufficient products to be exported.
This was said by 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 in response to Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Momin’s query on how bruneihalalfoods can promote the nation’s image at international level.
The minister said one product that has gained recognition is the shrimp cracker, which won an award in Dubai.
The minister said despite efforts by the government, the majority of MSMEs have no ambition to market their products outside of the country. He noted the participation in MSME exhibition in Sabah, Malaysia last September, leading to the export of local food items to Sabah and Sarawak.
Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty also inquired about the Ministry of Finance and Economy’s (MoFE) Aspiration 3, and sought enlightment on the ministry’s self-assessment of Brunei’s standing and how the ministry assesses the nation’s achievement in reaching the Open and Globally-Connected Economy Aspiration. The minister responded by saying that the nation has the ambition to diversify its economy, therefore there is need to think in the long term and draw more foreign direct investment (FDI).
“We need to show the global market that our free trade agreement (FTA) policy is up-to-date. With our involvement in several FTAs such as RCEP, CPTPP and recently IPEF in United States, it shows the global partners our reputation as a potential trading partner.”
The minister also shared the progress, including the export of fertiliser to Chile in 2021, followed by Peru and Mexico in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Asked on how the country can facilitate, assist and speed up the business growth, the minister brought up the proposal of Gallop Air and the need to be taken seriously.
He also said currently, the relevant party is in the process of analysing the proposal but considerations needs to be taken before a decision can be made.
Meanwhile, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said Brunei International Airport is currently operating below capacity, adding that where it can accommodate up to three million, 100 movements of aircraft and 50,000 cargoes per year.
He believes that developing the industry could lead to better economic growth. – Lyna Mohamad
