BRUNEI ATTRACTS FDI INTEREST AT CHENNAI INVESTMENT ROUNDTABLE

Held at the Taj Coromandel in collaboration with international trade consultancy Crescendo Worldwide, the roundtable on 23^rd July brought together senior representatives from close to 20 Indian companies in the fields of petrochemicals, manufacturing, and services.

The roundtable builds on Brunei’s strengthening ties with India – marked by Indian Prime Minister NarendraModi’svisittotheSultanateinSeptember2024–andfollowstheresumptionofdirectflights between Brunei and India via Chennai shortly thereafter. It also reflects the momentum of BEDB’s ongoing efforts to attract quality FDIs that support the country’s economic diversification by deepeningindustrialcapabilities,creatinglocaljobs,andcontributingtonationalexports.

BEDB’s Director for Investment Promotion and Facilitation (FAST), Teo Boon Wah, shared success storiesofexport-focusedIndianinvestmentsinBrunei–includingspecialtychemicalsproductionthat taps into outputs from Brunei’s downstream oil and gas sector, and food manufacturing ventures leveraging Brunei’s halal certification to access Muslim markets.

“Our targeted efforts to develop a strong petrochemical industry have attracted major international players from China, India, and Japan, who have established production plants in Brunei to serve the global market,” said Teo in his welcoming remarks at the roundtable.

“We are also witnessing significant growth in the food manufacturing and aquaculture sectors. We believe that Indian companies, with their deep expertise and innovative capabilities, can play a key role in driving growth and sustainability in these sectors.”

The roundtable is part of BEDB’s broader strategy of targeted investor engagement with India. It followstheBrunei-IndiaBusinessExchangeMissiontoChennaiinNovember2024,whichwasfollowed byadelegationofIndianbusinessesvisitingBruneithefollowingmonth.Inadditiontotheroundtable, BEDB conducted one-on-one meetings and site visits with potential investors on 24^th and 25^th July.

Associate Vice President at Crescendo Worldwide, Roopesh Patil, said they continue to raise awarenessaboutBrunei’sinvestmentpotentialamongIndiancompanies,highlightingtheSultanate’s competitive advantages.

“Bruneioffers severaladvantages for Indianinvestors – including politicalstability, alow-tax regime, and a strategic location within Southeast Asia, supported by its participation in multiple free trade agreements,” he said.“This, along with Brunei’s commitmenttoenvironmentalsustainability,makes it a stable and green destination for those seeking long-term opportunities in the region.”

As the lead agency for FDI facilitation into Brunei, BEDB also offers investors synergies through its other core functions: providing industrial sites across the country and fostering linkages with local enterprises. Companies interested in exploring opportunities in Brunei may contact info@invest.gov.bnor visit www.invest.gov.bnto learn more.