Brunei Darussalam will be the world’s first country to issue guidelines on the production of halal pharmaceuticals, including the use of alcohol and animal products. Viva Pharmaceutical Incorporated, Aureos Capital and a group of local investors have committed to investing in Brunei’s first Halal and Good Manufacturing Practice certified manufacturer of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical producers, Vivapharm (Brunei) Sendirian Berhad.
Officiating at the ground breaking ceremony for the centre’s building this morning were the Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister’s Office, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman and the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong.
This morning’s ceremony then proceeded with the signing of the lease agreement between Vivapharm (Brunei) Sendirian Berhad and the Brunei Industrial Development Authority, BINA, an agency under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. Signing on behalf of BINA was its Acting Director, Pengiran Haji Tajuddin bin Pengiran Haji Salleh witnessed by the Senior Special Duties Officer of BINA, Haji Metassan bin Haji Abdul Salim. Vivapharm (Brunei) was represented by Pengiran Adanan bin Pengiran Seri Indera Pengiran Haji Ismail and witnessed by the Chairman of Vivapharm (Brunei) Sendirian Berhad, Mr Jason.
Vivapharm will invest in research and development, particularly focused on developing new drugs and advanced technologies based on the local flora and fauna found in the heart of Borneo. Vivapharm will also focused on the export of halal-certified natural health products, over-the-counter and prescription drugs on the regional markets of Asia Pacific, Middle East, Western Europe and the US which have large muslim populations.
