Private sector in Brunei the engine of growth: minister

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The private sector is the engine of growth while the public sector acts as the facilitator in generating a conducive environment in promoting and supporting investment in the private sector.

This was stated by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin during a ceremony to appoint nine new heads of cluster and three members of Advisory Council of the Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BD-BEBC) at The Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.

Dr Abdul Manaf also emphasised on the use of digital technology in business amid the current pandemic climate.

Meanwhile, BD-BEBC Chairman Haris Duraman, who is the newly-appointed BIMP-EAGA Business Council Chairman said, when it was establishment 27 years ago, the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) was intended to generate more trade, tourism and investment based on the abundant natural resources readily available within the vast area.

“BIMP-EAGA has gone through its fair share of challenges, such as the financial crisis, haze, SARS and now the Covid-19 pandemic, which have affected developments in the region.

“Despite them, with the continuous support of the governments of BIMP-EAGA members, cooperation in the sub-region continues to stand firm and relevant to this day, ” he added.

Meanwhile, the event saw the presentation of letters of appointment to the new heads of cluster and three members of the BD-BEBC advisory Council for the 2021-2024 term. - Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network