Unlocking Growth in Brunei’s Food Industry: Insights from the MSME Roundtable Series

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.

Overview of the Roundtable Session

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

Keynote Address Highlights

In his keynote address, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. He identified the food sector as one of the five priority clusters for Brunei’s economic diversification.

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

Importance of Open Dialogue

Participants expressed their appreciation for the inaugural Roundtable. They viewed it as a constructive platform for open and transparent dialogue. Many welcomed the idea of regular hosting to foster continued engagement between the public and private sectors.

Feedback from Businesses

Businesses shared valuable feedback on key areas needing support. These included:

• Streamlining business-related procedures with government agencies

• Shared production facilities to optimize costs

• Joint procurement and logistics to improve economies of scale

  
  

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

Future Prospects for Brunei’s Food Industry

The Role of MSMEs

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in Brunei's economy. They contribute significantly to job creation and innovation. The government recognizes their importance and is committed to supporting their growth.

Expanding Halal Exports

Brunei's food industry has a unique opportunity to expand its Halal exports. With a growing global demand for Halal products, Brunei can position itself as a key player in this market. This requires strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders.

Enhancing Collaboration

Collaboration between various sectors is essential. By working together, businesses can share resources and knowledge. This can lead to improved efficiency and innovation in the food industry.

Conclusion

The MSME Roundtable Series is a vital step towards unlocking growth in Brunei’s food industry. It provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders. By focusing on practical solutions and innovation, Brunei can strengthen its economy and enhance its position in the global market.

The insights shared during this inaugural session are just the beginning. Continued engagement and collaboration will be essential for driving the growth of Brunei’s food industry.

For more information on the initiatives discussed, visit Brunei Economic Development Board.