Pakistan envoy visits RTB; meets Acting CEO of BEDB

PAKISTAN Deputy High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ahmed Ali Sirohey recently visited Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB). The Pakistani envoy was welcomed upon arrival by the Director of RTB, Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu together with senior officials and staff from the department.

The RTB Director briefed the envoy on the workings of RTB and its history. Radio Brunei was established in 1957 and television came to Brunei in 1975. He informed that RTB has a mission to develop a well-informed and knowledgeable society through quality programme. Its vision is to be a premier and dynamic media organisation in nation building.

Its roles and functions include upholding the image of the caring and effective government; upholding the concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and Zikir Nation (remembrance of Allah the Almighty), strategic partner in nation building towards realising ‘Brunei Vision 2035’, bridging the mind/understanding between the Government and the people as well as to introduce Brunei Darussalam to the international community through the RTB 4-International channel.

Meanwhile, the deputy high commissioner informed the director that Pakistan has around two dozen government channels and 99 news channels. Moreover, 100 more channels are being permitted by the PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority). Pakistan has hundreds of radio stations. Pakistan TV (PTV) produces documentaries on history, land, people and culture of Pakistan.

Both agreed to have bilateral cooperation in the exchange of programmes, technical staff, training and programmes. The deputy high commissioner reiterated that concern quarters in Pakistan would be advised to initiate the process for a bilateral Memorandum of Uunderstanding (MoU).

Meanwhile, the deputy high commissioner also called on Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), Hajah Hasnah binti Haji Ibrahim at her office. They discussed bilateral cooperation. The Acting CEO of BEDB then briefed the diplomat about the avenues of opportunity for investment in Brunei Darussalam.

She informed that there is opportunity in life science from the production and export of pharmaceuticals, health supplements, biotechnology and medical technology. Moreover the cosmetics industry based on halal ingredients is another opening.

She informed that the government has established 17 industrial parks which are managed by Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), all of them are dedicated to export oriented industries. These industrial parks have utilities including power, water and telecommunication.

The regional competitive prices range from USD1.60 per sqm per year to USD2.64 per sqm per year. The big industrial sites are Pulau Muara Besar, Salambigar Industrial Park, the Rimba Digital Junction, Bukit Panggal Industrial Park, Sungai Liang Industrial Park and Telisai Industrial Park.

Besides these, there are two specialised sides such as the Brunei Bio-innovation Corridor and the Anggerek Desa Technology Park.

The deputy high commissioner assured the Acting CEO of BEDB the cooperation of the Pakistan mission in Brunei. Both agreed to work in this regard and organise an event for potential investors from Pakistan.