Members of The Legislative Council Visit BEDB for Dialogue on Strengthening FDI Impact on Local Employment and MSME Participation Towards Achieving Economic Diversification

Bandar Seri Begawan, 23 Jun 2026 – As Brunei Darussalam continues to advance its economic diversification agenda, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) today welcomed Members of the Legislative Council for a dialogue session and working visit focused on strengthening the long-term impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects on local employment, MSME participation and national economic growth.

Conducted at the Combined Security Operations Center (CSOC), Serasa Industrial Park, the session provided Members of the Legislative Council with a closer understanding of BEDB’s role in supporting the country’s economic priorities under the Economic Blueprint and Wawasan Brunei 2035. The dialogue focused on how FDI projects can be better positioned to generate broader value for Brunei Darussalam, not only through capital investment, but also through job creation, skills development, technology and knowledge transfer, and stronger business opportunities for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

For local MSMEs, FDI projects can open practical opportunities to participate in supply chains, provide supporting services, strengthen operational capabilities and access new business networks. This is particularly important as Brunei Darussalam works to build a more dynamic and sustainable economy, where growth is supported by both international investments and stronger local enterprise participation.

In his opening remarks, Yang Mulia Awang Daniel Leong, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BEDB, highlighted BEDB’s role as one of the key agencies supporting national economic development through investment promotion and facilitation, industrial site management, and enterprise development. “BEDB’s role is not only to attract investments, but to ensure that the investments we facilitate generate meaningful and inclusive benefits for Brunei Darussalam. This includes creating quality employment opportunities for locals, strengthening industry-relevant skills, supporting technology and knowledge transfer, and opening more opportunities for our MSMEs to participate in the wider business ecosystem,” he said.

The session included a briefing on FDI projects in the implementation and operational phases by Yang Mulia Muhammad Firdaus Haji Abdul Kadir, Head of Facilitation and Coordination. The briefing provided an overview of key project developments, sectors involved, potential employment opportunities, skills requirements, and implementation considerations that require continued coordination between investors, government agencies, industry stakeholders and local businesses.

BEDB continues to engage with investors to understand project requirements, facilitate implementation, and identify areas where local participation can be strengthened. This includes exploring opportunities for local MSMEs to support FDI operations through supply chain participation, services, logistics, maintenance, and other business linkages. The dialogue also underscored the importance of ensuring that investment growth translates into tangible benefits for the local economy. Members of the Legislative Council exchanged views on areas such as workforce readiness, alignment between industry needs and local capabilities, infrastructure support, and the need for continued inter-agency coordination to enable investment projects progress effectively and deliver wider national impact.

Following the dialogue and question-and-answer session, Members of the Legislative Council proceeded with working visits to 2 FDI companies around Serasa area, Barramundi Group (B) Sdn Bhd and Muara International Fish Landing Sdn Bhd, where they received further briefings and toured key facilities supporting aquaculture, fish landing operations, and Brunei Darussalam’s food and export ecosystem.

The working visit enabled Members of the Legislative Council to gain first-hand insights into the operational requirements, infrastructure needs, and economic potential of selected investment projects. It also highlighted how strategic investments can contribute to priority sectors, support downstream business opportunities and create demand for local capabilities, including MSME services and skilled local workers.

BEDB reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with investors, local enterprises, government agencies and industry stakeholders to ensure that investment projects are facilitated effectively and aligned with national development priorities. This includes strengthening linkages between FDI companies and local businesses, supporting enterprise readiness, and encouraging greater participation of Bruneian companies in strategic sectors.