The Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei organized a meeting and exchange with Vietnamese businesses operating in Brunei on March 2. The event was attended by Ambassador Tran Anh Vu, representatives from the embassy, and leaders of Vietnamese firms in the trade, service, cuisine, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
During the meeting, the businesses shared information about their operations and discussed the challenges they have faced, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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| Businesses attended the meeting at the Vietnam embassy’s headquarters in Brunei Darussalam. Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam |
Several businesses have successfully entered the Brunei market with Vietnamese products such as fruits, coffee, handicrafts, and textiles. While the turnover may not be significant, they have made a valuable contribution to the trade between the two countries and enhanced Vietnam’s image in the region.
The businesses also proposed ideas on how to strengthen cooperation and improve business efficiency. These ideas include organizing promotional activities, exchanging experiences and information about business opportunities, and providing support in resolving difficulties related to residence, business operations, and labor conditions.
Ambassador Tran Anh Vu shared the progress in bilateral relations between Vietnam and Brunei, particularly highlighting Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Brunei in February 2023. The ambassador also discussed the potential for cooperation in priority areas such as oil and gas, energy, Halal, and tourism.
After a decline in 2023, Vietnam-Brunei trade turnover has shown signs of recovery. In January 2024, two-way trade increased by two times compared to the same period in 2023.
Ambassador Vu emphasized the role of Vietnamese businesses as a trade bridge and their contribution to promoting Vietnam’s image, growth potential, and cooperation with Brunei partners. Several businesses, including PetroVietnam Drilling & Well Services Corporation (PVD) and Hai Duong Petroleum and Marine Corporation (HADUCO), have successfully entered the Brunei market and secured important service contracts. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, smaller Vietnamese enterprises have persevered and started to recover.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei will continue to support Vietnamese businesses in strengthening connections and cooperation, aiming to establish a dynamic, united, and effective business community in the local area. The embassy will also work to address issues related to labor, business conditions, residence, and access to resources by proposing favorable conditions and protecting the legitimate interests of Vietnamese businesses in Brunei.
Furthermore, the embassy will promote Vietnam’s image, people, products, and goods, and facilitate connections between Vietnamese businesses in Brunei and both Brunei and domestic businesses. This will help to explore cooperation opportunities in priority economic and trade sectors between the two countries.
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