His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah expressed satisfaction with Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) cooperation that has continued to progress well, despite challenges faced since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
His Majesty delivered the titah at the 15th BIMP-EAGA Summit, which was held at Komodo Ballroom, Meruorah Convention Centre.
Furthermore, added His Majesty, the re-opening of borders has facilitated the resumption of transport services and movement of goods and people, thus bringing in opportunities such as tourism and cross-border trade to the sub-region. To this end, the development of more joint cooperation projects will further strengthen supply chain and secure BIMP-EAGA’s growth area as a production base for the region. This also highlights the importance of connectivity as a driver of growth and economic activities.
With the new norm of doing business in the post-COVID-19 era, it is crucial to advance digitalisation through ICT-related projects, to align with BIMP-EAGA’s work implemented at the ASEAN level such as the Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap on Digital Transformation.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty stated that the relocation of Indonesia’s new capital, namely Nusantara, in Kalimantan will create even more opportunities for growth and development in this sub-region. Therefore, BIMP-EAGA is encouraged to take advantage of opportunities by having better coordination and facilitation of BIMP-EAGA’s initiatives.
At the end of the Summit, the leaders endorsed the Joint Statement of the 15th BIMP-EAGA Summit.
Source: Borneo Bulletin
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May 15, 2023
