KUCHING: The Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) in collaboration with the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) and the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) facilitated an official visit by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) to the state as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional economic cooperation and promote cross-border trade and investment between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak.

According to a statement, the visit provided Brunei enterprises with insights into Sarawak’s business environment, regulatory and cost structures, as well as investment opportunities.

“More than 15 companies from various sectors participated in the engagements, which included a series of business matching and networking sessions that enabled companies from both sides to explore potential collaborations,” it said on Thursday.

As part of the visit programme, the BEDB delegation led by Norlela Suhailee together with Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Sarawak Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Gani paid a courtesy call on MINTRED Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.

Also present was MINTRED Permanent Secretary Datu Lester Matthew.

The courtesy visit reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties and long-standing economic relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak.

“Discussions focused on enhancing cross-border investment and cooperation in priority sectors such as energy, food security, SME market access and the development of high-growth industries.

“Following the visit, the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office, Brunei Darussalam (STATOB) will continue to facilitate follow-up engagements between companies to ensure that the discussions and business leads generated translate into tangible outcomes and mutually beneficial partnerships,” the statement said. -UKASnews