(Bandar Seri Begawan, 13th) The Brunei Freight Forwarders Association (BRUFA), led by its president, recently participated in a UN-ESCAP dialogue on "Enhancing Transport and Logistics Connectivity within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)" held in Davao, Philippines.
This event provided a platform for stakeholders to address challenges regarding regional connectivity, highlighting the importance of green sustainable technology and digital modernization for sustainable development, while presenting solutions to enhance trade, logistics, and tourism.
Xu Guoping highlighted contributions over the past 30 years to the BIMP-EAGA, including connectivity, infrastructure improvement, port expansion, and CIQS upgrade memorandums of understanding.
These efforts have facilitated trade flow, supported cargo transportation, and enhanced the mobility of people, including tourists.
He also stressed the need for continuous digital enhancement to support the growing e-commerce market, noting that strengthening infrastructure and connectivity is crucial to ensuring competitiveness and meeting the region's evolving needs.
The use of small vessels, defined as non-convention size ships with a carrying capacity of less than 500 tons, further enhances the connectivity between Southeast Asian islands. These ships are well-suited for navigating the archipelagic geography of the region, composed of shallow waterways and numerous islands. For example, the opening of the Bangao-Lahat Datu sea route and the charter pilot project between Muara and Tawi Tawi have greatly improved cross-border movement. These initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits brought by improved trade exchanges between Mindanao and neighboring areas, fostering stronger logistics links and deeper economic integration.
The Brunei Freight Forwarders Association, in collaboration with the Bangladesh East Growth Area Business Council, is committed to strengthening regional connectivity and facilitating economic cooperation.
By building on existing achievements and continuing close collaboration with regional stakeholders, it aims to strengthen trade, logistics, and tourism, ensuring a meaningful contribution to ongoing regional development and integration.