UK-Brunei Forum Boosts Trade and Innovation
Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: The UK-Brunei Business Forum and Networking Lunch, hosted by the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, marked a significant effort to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Held at the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Tuesday, the event aimed to foster collaboration in key areas such as education, clean energy, digital technology, and maritime logistics, aligning with Brunei’s national development strategies.
Key Highlights of the Forum:
- Welcoming and Leadership Presence:
- Deputy British High Commissioner to Brunei, Catherine Pochkhanavala-Cleeve, opened the event with welcoming remarks.
- The forum featured an address by Rhiannon Harries, the UK’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Southeast Asia, who led a prominent UK Trade Mission to Brunei.
- Renowned Representation:
Participants included leading UK institutions such as Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Scottish Development International (SDI), Pearson, Newcastle University, and uTalk, emphasizing the diverse expertise being brought to the table. - Strategic Discussions:
- Investment Opportunities in Brunei: Delivered by Daniel Leong, Acting CEO of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB).
- Digital Advancements: Representatives from Brunei’s Ministry of Transport and Info-Comms (MTIC) presented the country’s Digital Masterplan.
- CPTPP Opportunities: A discussion led by Richard Colley, Director of Trade at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, explored the trade benefits under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Scotland-Brunei Ties: An introduction to Scottish Development International was provided by Senior Trade Specialist Sanson Selvanathar.
This forum underscores the UK and Brunei’s shared commitment to advancing trade and innovation while fostering meaningful partnerships across sectors vital for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
