| Azlan Othman |
WITH the country facing a massive budget deficit coupled with increasing unemployment amid global economic uncertainties caused by drop in oil prices, the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPMB) is focusing on developing Malay businesses in the small and medium sector and primary industries as well as creating more job opportunities.
This was stated by Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, Honorary Chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) and President of DPPMB, in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.
“These efforts will assist youth-run businesses in boosting domestic productivity and primary industry enhancement via import substitution will ensure the country’s money is spent locally,” he added.
“DPPMB should analyse economic activities that could be done domestically to increase country’s revenue.
People need to be involved directly in economic activities to realise import substitution. We should find out what agriculture activities besides paddy could be explored and the economic projections that could be used to determine the sustainability of these efforts.
“The target now is to produce more food items such as mushroom, onion, chilli, salted egg, bread and various local delicacies (kueh). These produces could also be exported with Halal certification,” Dr Kamaruddin said.
He also highlighted other areas like the production of Halal goat meat. “Family-run goat breeding businesses can be expanded and their expertise can be shared with the chamber,” he added.
Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, Honorary Chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) and President of DPPMB during the interview. – AZLAN OTHMAN
“DPPMB could coordinate and guide youths to contribute their energy towards proper economic activities including making of banana fritters, Halal biscuits, bread and so on. DPPMB could gather talented youths to produce these products.
“There are also youths who possess expertise in automobile technology and they could be involved in the development of a Youth Automotive Workshop. And to add to the quality of service, an expert could be hired to guide them.
“On top of these, we could consult with government authorities to gain support to provide facilities and environment for businesses, Dr Kamaruddin said.
“DPPMB has its own expertise and close links with businesses outside the country. We should continue to strive to identify overseas bodies from Europe, the US and the Middle East besides Asean member countries and make use of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), of which Brunei Darussalam is one of the signatories,” he concluded.
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