20 April 2016 - A 13-member high-level Philippine business delegation successfully capped a one-day trade, investment, and tourism mission to Brunei Darussalam on April 05. The mission was headed by Mr. Edward C. Du, President of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI).
During the visit, the members were able to meet and establish business linkages and cooperation with relevant Bruneian government agencies and selected members of the business sector. They explored possible cooperation in the areas of halal food processing, agribusiness, exporting, tourism, investments, connectivity, and services.
The delegation met with Brunei government officials and business council members including Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Abd Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA); Yang Mulia Awang Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT); Mr. Sabri Haji Mohd. Taha, Head/Officer-in-Charge of the Global Halal Industry Development Division (GHID) of the Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO); and Pg Yura Kesteria PSN Pg Yusuf, Chairperson of the Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BD-BEBC). The delegation also toured the BioInnovation Corridor (BIC), a 466-hectare eco-park being developed by Brunei to be an internationally renowned halal-themed industry park.
Members of the Philippine delegation include Mr. Edwin R. Glindro, Deputy Secretary General of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-LGU Trade and Investment Desk; Mr. Juan Agustine V. Jalandoni, Executive Director of the NOCCI; Atty. Alejandro Florian O. Alcantara, Chairman and President of Raw Brown Sugar Milling Co., Inc.; Ms. Socorrito Bengoechea-Alcantara, Vice-President and Treasurer of Raw Brown Sugar Milling Co., Inc.; Ms. Katherine Gay A. Vinarao, Plant Manager of Orient Foods Industries Corp. (OFIC); Ms. Edilberta N. Sogocio, Manager of Barangay Liptong Small Coconut Farmers Association, Inc. (BLISCOFA, Inc.); Ms. Syndey S. Uy, Executive Assistant at the Negros Oriental Investment Promotion Center; Ms. Sheila A. Sabayle, Real Estate Broker / President, Sogo Shosha Solutions, Inc.; Mr. Ernesto C. Lee, President of Agri-Bio Philippines, Inc. and Honorary Chairman of the Brooke’s
Point Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BPCCI); Ms. Jamie Jane Lee, Vice-President of Agri-Bio Philippines, Inc. and BPCCI President; Mr. Adel A. Gonzales, Chief Finance Officer and Project Director, Meili Resorts and Spa, Inc. and BPCCI Executive Director; and Ms. Jessica M. Baga, Operations Head, ABPI Logistics & Distribution and BPCCI Secretary General.
Embassy representatives, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Melvin C. Almonguera and Attaché and Assistant Frederick A. Rili joined the mission in their meetings with Brunei government officials.
Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Meynardo LB. Montealegre hosted a welcome dinner for the delegation at the Ambassador’s official residence upon the group’s arrival in Brunei Darussalam on April 04.
The delegation was very pleased with the outcome of their mission given the fruitful and productive discussions with Bruneian government officials and business council members. They expressed their utmost appreciation to the Philippine Embassy for helping them arrange their meetings in Brunei, and indicated their readiness to collaborate again with Bruneian entities to sustain the positive results of their visit. END
