James Kon
The BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC Brunei) trade mission recently travelled to Mindanao, Philippines for a five day official visit to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Davao City and Zamboanga City.
BEBC Brunei Country Director Haji Alimen bin Haji Jaafar led the delegation accompanied by its heads of clusters Pengiran Haji Norhalik bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad, Haji Nasir Latif and Haji Mohd Khairur Rijal Salim.
The mission’s objective was to identify prospective business opportunities and establish partnerships between the two countries.
According to BEBC Brunei, during the first and second day visit to BARMM, the delegation paid a courtesy call on its Chief Minister Al Haj Ahod B Ebrahim. The meeting highlighted discussions on closer cooperation and collaboration between Brunei and BARMM with special focus on developing the livestock and agriculture industry as well as promoting Halal and financial services.
The collaboration will lead to mutually beneficial opportunities and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of both economies. BARMM Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform Mohammad Yacob and BARMM Minister of Transport and Communications Paisalin Tago were in attendance.
The delegation also met Secretary of the Mindanao Development Authority Maria Belen S Acosta.
The discussions focussed on the promoting and developing trade, transport, and infrastructure, as well as Islamic tourism. The delegation also visited the Philippines oldest and third largest poultry farm Vitarich Corporation and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Cotabato City.
The visit’s intention was to identify sectors where both parties can leverage their strengths and create lasting partnerships.
The BEBC Brunei comprised of a group of people from various industries actively promoting economic ties within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region. BEBC Brunei aimed to explore potential partnerships and engage in discussions with local businesses, industry leaders, and government officials during the visit.
On the third and fourth days of their visit, the delegation met with its BEBC counterparts in Zamboanga. The group also met with Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali and Mayor of Turtle Islands as well as visited places of interest in Zamboanga including the pink beach of Santa Cruz Island and Permex Corporation, one of Philippines’ largest sardines and tuna canning factories.
The delegation also visited the Sadik Grand Mosque, currently under construction and is expected to be the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
BEBC Brunei also promoted the BIMP-EAGA Trade Show and International Convention B2B Forum (BETSIC) which will be held in Brunei Darussalam in October.
The BETSIC event is held in conjunction with the 30th BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials and Ministerial Meetings.
The expo serves as a platform for businesses across the BIMP-EAGA region to showcase their products, services and investment opportunities.
