MSME Roundtable Series Opens with Strategic Focus on Advancing Brunei's Food Industry and Halal Export Potential

 Bandar Seri Begawan, 11 July 2025 – The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), in collaboration with the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD), ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Brunei, APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Brunei, and the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) Brunei, officially held the first session of the MSME Roundtable Series, themed “Unlocking Growth in Brunei’s Food Industry” on Thursday, 10th July 2025. 

The Roundtable session at the Rizqun International Hotel was led by Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) and Co-Deputy Chairperson of the Brunei Economic Development Board. The Roundtable session brought together key policymakers, industry stakeholders, and business leaders to exchange perspectives, identify sectoral challenges, and align efforts in driving the growth of Brunei’s food industry, particularly through MSME development and Halal export expansion. 

In his keynote address, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) and Co-Deputy Chairperson of the Brunei Economic Development Board, called for closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive the food sector as one of the five priority clusters for Brunei’s diversification. 

“The value of this Roundtable lies not just in the discussion, but in the concrete actions that follow,” he said. “It is a strategic platform that provides clarity in charting our way forward to co-develop balanced, practical solutions and driving innovation that benefits everyone and strengthens our economy.” 

Participants expressed appreciation for the inaugural Roundtable as a constructive platform for open and transparent dialogue and welcomed its regular hosting to foster continued engagement between the public and private sector. 

Businesses shared feedback on key areas for support, including the streamlining of business-related procedures with government agencies, shared production facilities to optimise costs, and joint procurement and logistics to improve economies of scale. 

President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam and ASEAN-BAC Council Member, Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad said the dialogue has already begun shaping areas for potential collaboration.