BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network)
The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), through Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), announced the first export of Bruneian-made products to Mustafa Centre in Singapore, marking an achievement in showcasing Brunei’s growing presence in international markets.
The export to Mustafa Centre was consolidated into a 20-foot container packed with Bruneian goods and will set sail for Singapore on Tuesday (Sept 26) via Amann Shipping.
A ceremony was held on Monday at the Muara Port to commemorate the milestone.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) and Board Member of BEDB and DARe Tutiaty Abdul Wahab, Deputy Permanent Secretary I at the MPRT Mohd Yusree Junaidi, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary II of MPRT Noralinda Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd Zeng Caili and Acting CEO of BEDB and DARe Daniel Leong, along with representatives from MPRT and DARe were present at the ceremony.
The export initiative was the result of efforts by DARe and the MPRT to facilitate the access of Bruneian products, both processed and manufactured, to international markets.
Access to foreign markets necessitates a combination of policy coordination, product promotion, and a willingness to negotiate pricing and supply frequency with potential importers.
Prior to this, a series of engagement sessions with Mustafa Centre were facilitated by DARe, including a visit to Mustafa Centre in April this year and a seminar held in Brunei focusing on exporting to Singapore from a buyer’s perspective.
DARe concurrently organised a product sampling session, highlighting Bruneian export-ready and export-potential products, and facilitated the price negotiations between Mustafa Centre and potential exporters.
As a result, Mustafa Centre expressed its commitment to purchase products from five Bruneian companies: Ghanim International Sdn Bhd, Marimin Sdn Bhd, Sabli Food Industries (B) Sdn Bhd, Sahamada Corporation Sdn Bhd and Taurean Bakeshop and Café, solidifying agreements to procure their products.