Brunei
is set to develop seven areas outside the oil and gas industry, namely
renewable energy, eco-tourism, aquaculture, “green” ICT, Pulau Muara
Besar (PMB) project, Halal processing, and Islamic finance.
These
major industrial clusters were spelt out by the Brunei Economic
Development Board (BEDB), said Assistant Chief Executive Officer of
BEDB Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin yesterday in his presentation on “The Role
of BEDB in Facilitating the Country’s Economic Development and Growth”
during the World Town Planning Day 2008 at the International Convention
Centre, Berakas.
Building
on the Sultanate’s strength in biodiversity, he said the country is
spearheading alternative energy, aquaculture and ecotourism.
Meanwhile, leveraging on its Islamic brand, Brunei is also striving to become a Halal processing and Islamic financial hub.
In
terms of long-term capabilities, the Sultanate is focusing on
developing Pulau Muara Besar as a dynamic, logistics and manufacturing
hub, improving its info-communications technology, creating an energy
efficient integrated waste management system in Sungai Akar garbage
disposal area which will also be rehabilitated, and the education
sector.
Dr
Abdul Manaf highlighted BEDB’s initiative in developing Anggerek Desa
in Berakas as a technology park, which is aimed at facilitating
development of SMEs while serving as a training and skill development
centre.
With
the seven targets, Brunei aims to achieve the National Vision 2035,
transforming it into a nation that is recognised for its highly
educated, skilled and accomplished human resources as measured by the
highest of standards; for its quality of life; and for its dynamic and
sustainable economy.
Brunei
is already extending the oil and gas value chain by promoting the
petrochemicals industry, building integrated petrochemical’ refinery
and crude oil/chemical storage leveraging on its geographic location
that is safe from natural disasters.
He
also highlighted the Sungai Liang Industrial Park (Spark) as a
world-class petrochemical hub and the initiative to build 2,000 houses
in two years at the 150-hectare site in Kampong Pandan, Belait District.
