Twenty-nine representatives from public and private sectors attended a virtual outreach event on the ASEAN Trade Repository (ATR) and the ASEAN Solutions for Investments, Services and Trade (ASSIST) on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the European Union (ARISE Plus), in partnership and collaboration with ASEAN Business Advisroy Council (ASEAN-BAC) Brunei and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise).
DARe CEO Javed Ahmad said, “Trade facilitation is particularly important for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as they are hit hardest by the crisis.
“In the midst of this global crisis, international cooperation in trade facilitation will remain important to keep trade flowing,” he said.
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman said, “ASEAN-BAC always emphasises on the importance of public-private sector engagement in driving regional economic integration and trade facilitation as our priority.
“We believe it has to go in tandem to achieve our ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) goals. After all, ASEAN has to remain in solidarity for collective action as we are set to become the fourth largest economy by 2030.”
Representatives from National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD), Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPMB), French Bruneian Business Association (FBBA), SME business owners and other trade associations attended the outreach event.
Meanwhile, an ASSIST Train-the-Trainers Workshop was held on March 16-17, to helped participants develop, organise and deliver training modules on how to use ASSIST.
“Businesses can also leverage on the adoption of technology and digital tools, such as the ASSIST platform and reap the benefits of an online, consultative mechanism to find solutions to problems encountered by the ASEAN private sector on cross-border issues,” said CEO of Dynamik Technologies Haslina binti Haji Mohd Taib.
Managing Director of Adinin Group of Companies Haji Musa bin Haji Adnin said, “Participants that are now elevated to the role of trainers are encouraged to benefit from the ASSIST platform by sharing the information to their colleagues, business organisations and fellow entrepreneurs.”
