Keynote Address
By Yang Mulia Awang Haji Mohammad Salihin Bin Haji Aspar Deputy Permanent Secretary (Transport) Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications,
Brunei Darussalam
At the Roundtable Discussion on the Connectivity Pillar Theme: Enhancing Cross-Border Trade and Economic Cooperation in the BIMP-EAGA Region. BIMP-EAGA Trade Convention 2023 (BETCON23)
Friday, 26th October 2023,
at 2:30 PM
The Dome, Bridex Hall, Jerudong
Assalamualaikum warahmatallahi wabarakatuh and Good Afternoon
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
1. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairman of the organising committee for giving me the honour to give Keynote Address at this afternoon's Round Table Discussion at BETCON23. Also, a warm welcome to all of you who have gathered here today.
2. The focus of this afternoon's Roundtable Discussion is on the Connectivity Pillar, one of the five (5) Strategic Pillars under the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 or BEV 2025. Our discussion will explore measures to promote and facilitate trade, investment, and economic integration among the member countries. We will also discuss ways to address any issues and explore potential opportunities for collaboration and partnership. Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
COVID-19 Pandemic
3. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges and negative effect on the global socio-economic developments. Despite these challenges, the BIMP-EAGA Leaders' Summit held on 11 May 2023 were very positive, with the sub-region witnessing a rebound in its economic performance, growing 3% in 2021 compared with 1% contraction in 2020, an increased in trade and FDI signalling investor confidence in our sub-region, whilst international tourism arrivals returning to its pre-pandemic levels.
Updates on BEV2025 Connectivity Pillars
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. I would like to highlight the progress made on some of the focus areas under the BEV Connectivity Pillar.
5. Firstly, on the Priority Infrastructure Projects (PIPs). PIPs in BIMP-EAGA covers a wide range of infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, airports, ICT, power interconnections, and urban development. They provide our farmers and fishermen with market access, deliver energy to rural communities, boost trade in border regions, and attract more tourists.
6. As reported in the BEV2025 Mid-Term Review and highlighted by our Leaders at the 15th BIMP-EAGA Summit, the number of PIPs has increased from 57 in 2017 to 126 by June 2023 amounting to US$34.45 billion. As of June 22, Transport portfolio dominates 63% (79 out of 126) of the sub-regional cooperation, highlighting its critical importance.
7. Our Leaders also welcomed the resumption of air, land, and sea connectivity in BIMP-EAGA and encourage key stakeholders to work together especially the private sector for the full resumption of the suspended routes as well as the expansion of viable new routes to service passenger traffic and movement of goods.
8. I am also delighted to note the recent signing of the MoU between the BEBC Brunei and the Muara Port Company, which is intended to leverage the potential of maritime connectivity by utilising Brunei Muara Port as one of our hubs to facilitate Trade, Tourism, and Investments (TTI) in BIMP-EAGA (IntraEAGA) and beyond (Extra-EAGA).
9. Our Leaders also highlighted the pivotal role of ICT in achieving a digital economy and thus are committed to intensifying BIMP-EAGA's digital transformation and preparedness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
10. I would like to share that under the Brunei Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, several initiatives have been implemented to promote the adoption of emerging technologies and create an enabling environment for innovation to thrive. To name a few:
i. The development of improved internet connectivity including expanding fibre-optic networks and deploying the latest mobile technology. With the rollout of 5G recently, the 5G services are now available through local telecommunication companies. To date, 90 per cent of populated areas are covered by 5G-ready mobile network and it is expanding for nationwide coverage to allow equitable access to essential services and boost economic opportunities. The introduction of 5G services also enable enhanced digitalisation among individuals, businesses and communities;
ii. The establishment of network infrastructures and the creation of a Commercial Data Centre aimed at providing innovative services for increased productivity. Positive progress has also been made in the legislation such as the Cyber Security Order and a Personal Data Protection Order (PDPO);
iii. Programmes like the Digital Innovation and Startups Ecosystem, which offers incubator support, mentorship, and co-working space for facilitating the growth of digital innovation and startups;
iv. The recent launch of the Brunei Innovation Lab (BIL) to promote the growth of tech businesses and their solutions through development programs, funding, market access, and community building;
v. The PENJANA joint funding scheme which is open for MSMEs businesses on adopting basic digital solutions which comprises from Accounting, Digital POS system, E-commerce, E-Payment and Human Resource Management System' and vi. Fundamentals needs may also reflect the readiness of manpower with right skillsets and expertise in which this can be touch tackle via BIICF. This gives an overview of the job roles and functions, technical and soft skills competencies, and recommended technical trainings.
11. I hope the private sectors will take advantage of these infrastructure including the agreements and MoUs in place in BIMP-EAGA, explore potential opportunities for collaboration and partnership as well as work together with our BIMP officials to promote and facilitate trade and economic development throughout BIMP-EAGA.
12. Last but not least, BIMP-EGA also acknowledged the role of the BEBC in identifying and implementing private sector-led projects to promote crossborder economic activities. Thus, I commend the BEBC's efforts to hold BETCON23.
Closing
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
13. Once again, I would like to thank the organising committee for inviting me to this Roundtable Discussion. I sincerely hope that we will have an enjoyable and productive session today. Thank you.
