Danial Norjidi
The Economy Week was officially launched yesterday at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas under the auspices of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022).
Hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), Economy Week will run for five days until July 2.
Themed ‘Towards a Dynamic and Sustainable Economy’, activities during the Economy Week will focus on topics related to economic growth and development, including gross domestic product (GDP) and factors contributing to growth, development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the promotion of trade through free trade agreements (FTAs).
The Economy Week aims to deepen the understanding of the Sultanate’s economy and the contributors towards economic growth, enhance knowledge and understanding of the global and regional economic outlook as well as provide opportunities for the public, especially budding entrepreneurs, to broaden their knowledge and awareness on setting up and developing a business through the workshops conducted.
The Economy Week Symposium was held yesterday, attended 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 and Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin as the guests of honour.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew highlighted Brunei’s progress over the past few years in spurring its economy towards achieving the third goal of Brunei Vision 2035 and emphasised the importance of continuing the country’s diversification efforts.
Meanwhile, a welcoming remark was delivered by Permanent Secretary (Economy) at the MoFE Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, who said, “Economy Week will give us an opportunity to reflect on our progress thus far towards achieving Goal 3 of Brunei Vision 2035 and in enhancing our understanding of Brunei Darussalam’s economy. It is also intended to serve as a platform to deepen our knowledge on the current global and regional economic developments.”
A number of prominent international speakers will be delivering keynote addresses during Economy Week, with two delivered at yesterday’s symposium. The speeches were delivered by ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi titled ‘Global and Regional Outlook: Megatrends to Look Out For’; and Founder, Co-Chief Investment Officer and member of the Bridgewater Board, Bridgewater Associates, LP, Ray Dalio on ‘Implications of the Changing World Order’.
Other speakers expected to deliver keynote addresses during the Economy Week are Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria; Director of the Asia and Pacific Department, International Monetary Fund Krishna Srinivasan; and Chief Economist at the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office Dr Hoe Ee Khor.
A seminar will be held today featuring panel discussions involving key government officials and industry experts to discuss a range of topics relevant to the economy.
Additionally, the Economy Week features a series of workshops providing opportunities for aspiring and current entrepreneurs to have interactive discussions with different agencies on establishing businesses.
An exhibition throughout the week will feature the priority sectors and key industry players as exhibitors.
A showcase of local brands and products under the ‘Bruneian Made’ initiative by Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) will give a glimpse of what local entrepreneurs can offer.
DARe will also be available to provide business support and advisory services throughout the week, and will share opportunities for MSMEs to grow their businesses through DARe’s various initiatives.
On July 1, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) will be organising the season finale of its SME360 Forum, featuring a discussion on strategies for SMEs to prepare for the new business environment in the post pandemic world, to outline how SMEs can help strengthen the Sultanate’s economy and to provide a platform for participants from different industries to network.
