Anwar’s Brunei visit set to boost our economy

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Brunei will see, among others, a memorandum of understanding to be signed involving several major economic areas.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said aside from the halal food industry, the MOU between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and the Brunei Investment Agency would also allow for possible cooperation to be explored in the areas of digital economy, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, smart farming and tourism.

Anwar is scheduled to have an audience with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, at Istana Nurul Iman today followed by a four-eyed meeting between both leaders.

Sultan Hassanal and Anwar are also expected to use the meeting as an opportunity to assess the progress of ongoing cooperation, further strengthen relations as well as venture new cooperation in common interest areas between the two countries.

Earlier yesterday, the Prime Minister arrived for a two-day official visit, his second official visit abroad since he took office.

He was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The special aircraft carrying the Prime Minister and Dr Wan Azizah landed at Brunei International Airport at 1.13pm and they were greeted by Brunei Crown Prince, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Anwar was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the airport.

After the national anthems of both countries were played, the Prime Minister then inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Also present at the airport were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, reported Bernama.

Zambry said the development of the halal industry, especially in the food sector, is one of the new areas of collaboration that can be explored between Malaysia and Brunei in the post-pandemic era.

He said Malaysia and Brunei’s joint investment efforts in the development of the halal industry, especially in the production of halal food, will open a new chapter in terms of quality and certification that can have a mutually beneficial impact.

Zambry said there are various potentials for both nations to enhance trade relations as import and export activities are showing better growth, adding that during a meeting between Sultan Hassanal and the Prime Minister in November last year, ways to enhance trade relations were among issues discussed.