Azlan Othman
Brunei Darussalam’s gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to rise after the fertiliser plant in the Sungai Liang Industrial Park becomes fully operational next year, 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 said at a press conference yesterday.
“Hence our economic outlook is expected to be positive,” said the minister. The country’s GDP had dropped this year because of a decrease in productivity in the oil and gas sector due to maintenance work, said the minister. “Once maintenance work is completed, we expect an increase in the oil and gas industry (productivity).”
The minister said that there was an increase in productivity in the non-oil and gas sector, which indicated that the country’s “diversification efforts are bearing fruit”.
Meanwhile, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew also said the medical travel insurance for people wishing to travel overseas will remain.
“The insurance is not just for medical protection when going overseas for treatment,” the minister said.
The minister was also asked if operating hours for land border control posts will return to normal, to accommodate an expected increase in travellers near the end of the year.
The minister said the steering committee will review the situation and any outcome will be discussed with the neighbouring country.
