Daniel Lim
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said the launch of Brunei Fertilizer Industries Sdn Bhd’s (BFI) new plant represents a continued commitment by the government to strengthen the nation’s economy.
“This development will grow as well as diversify the economy while reducing the dependency on the oil and gas (O&G) industry.
“BFI has achieved several milestones since its establishment in 2013,” added the monarch.
The milestones included the production of over 631,000 metric tonnes of urea fertiliser since January 2022 and 556,000 metric tonnes exported resulting in revenue totalling USD322 million.
His Majesty said, “BFI has 161 local officers and staff accounting for 66 per cent of the total workforce. They also receive training from local and international institutions of higher learning on the ammonia and urea manufacturing environment.”
The monarch expressed confidence that BFI will continue to play an important role in furthering the aspirations of the government and nation.
“This is in line with Brunei Vision 2035, to have BFI be a platform to create more business opportunities beyond the oil and gas industry.”
His Majesty delivered the titah during the launch of a new plant at BFI at Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) Centre, Lumut yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The royal entourage was greeted on arrival by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah as Chairman of BFI’s Board of Directors; and Chief Executive Officer Dr Harri Kiiski.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew, in a speech, highlighted BFI’s achievements since its establishment on October 28, 2013.
“BFI is the first urea production project in Brunei Darussalam. Urea is an organic compound that improves soil quality, provides nitrogen to plants and increases crop yield,” he said.
The minister said BFI is capable of producing 2,200 metric tonnes of ammonia and 3,900 metric tonnes of granular urea each day.
“This company will play an important role in the global arena in supplying and supporting the world’s agricultural production efforts,” he said.
BFI’s fertiliser also has the ability to fully meet the Sultanate’s agricultural needs to secure food security.
The company also has the potential to produce other petrochemical products such as formaldehyde, melamine or resins with various applications that can allow more industries to flourish in the Sultanate.
“BFI has generated numerous local employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, through the various industries related to the production and export of urea products. BFI will continuously play an important role towards improving the skill quality of local workers in line with the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035,” the minister said.
His Majesty launched the new plant in a ceremony that unveiled a scale model of the facilities.
The monarch then received a pesambah in the form of a drawing of the new plant by local artist Ainan Kassim.
This was followed by a video presentation showing BFI’s history and a royal tour of an exhibition manned by BFI officers and staff.
His Majesty then toured the new plant including the control room where the monarch signed a plaque to commemorate the occasion. The tour also included BFI’s laboratory.
The royal entourage then returned to SPARK Centre for a santap to conclude the event.
