IETO delegation participated in the launch of the Direct flights from Chennai to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei on the 6th November in Chennai.
Delegation of the IETO headed by President Dr. Asif Iqbal participated with their corporate members and they welcomed the new direct route between the two countries. Dr. Iqbal said they were also in talks with Brunei high commission in Delhi to facilitate e-visa and visa on arrival for Indian flyers. The delegation was meeting the officials of the BEDB and the India Commonwealth Trade Council delegation that will travel to Brunei in December.
Joshua Law, chief commercial officer of the Royal Brunei airlines, said that they were looking to expand operations to other cities but chose Chennai as the maiden destination since “it is considered the gateway to South India and has a lot of culture, just like Brunei”. In response to a question about future expansion plans, Hamid revealed that the airline is considering launching additional routes between Bandar Seri Begawan and other Indian cities, including Delhi. “Our next destination in India is still under study. We may launch a flight connecting Delhi. We are analyzing the market,” he said.
India is one of the top 10 countries contributing to tourist arrivals in Brunei, with nearly 4,000 Indian nationals visiting the Southeast Asian country from January to September 2024. Additionally, around 14,000 Indians are employed in various sectors across Brunei.
BEDB hosted a Brunei-India Business Exchange Mission to further trade and investment on the sidelines of the launch of the airlines. Titled Weaving New Connections: The Brunei-Chennai Story, the event brought together over 100 business leaders from India and Brunei, spotlighting investment opportunities in the Sultanate’s diversifying economy.
Attending the seminar was Brunei’s High Commissioner to India His Excellency Dato Paduka Hj Alaihuddin Pehin. In his opening address, BEDB Acting CEO Daniel Leong presented Brunei’s unique proposition as a base for business es looking to expand into Southeast Asia and the connecting region, owing to its strategic location and robust, familiar legal and business regulatory environment where English is widely used.
“Brunei’s low-tax regime—with no personal income tax, sales tax, or capital gains tax—offers financial advantages that are difficult to match within the region. Combined with Brunei’s strategic location, this makes it an excellent base for regional operations and a springboard into Southeast Asia’s broader markets,” said Leong.
Brunei’s advantageous position is further enhanced by its market access through an increasing number of trade
agreements, including RCEP and CPTPP, connecting investors to over three billion consumers.
The Sultanate’s political stability and commitment to environmental sustainability also strengthen its appeal.
Historically free from major natural disasters and with 70% of the country covered in pristine rainforest, Brunei provides a uniquely stable, green location for businesses seeking within Southeast Asia.
Five priority sectors—downstream oil and gas, food, ICT, services, and tourism—are central to the Brunei government’s economic diversification strategy, each actively encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI).
As Brunei’s focal agency for foreign investment, BEDB provides tailored support through its Investors Concierge
service, assisting investors from initial market studies to post-establishment facilitation.
BEDB also develops and manages 27 industrial parks across Brunei, simplifying setup and expansion with tailored
infrastructure support. Additionally, through its enterprise development arm, BEDB fosters synergies with FDIs to enhance supply chain integration and support long-term.
NM Panicker, the Founder Chairman of Expert United Marine Service Company and Goodwill Ambassador of the World Malayalee Council Middle East Region, has been appointed as the Honorary Trade Commissioner of India Commonwealth Trade Council. This prestigious appointment. This appointment recognizes Panicker’s extensive experience and leadership in the marine industry, particularly his contributions to various marine companies in the UAE and his role in educational institutions across India.
As Honorary Trade Commissioner, Panicker will be tasked with promoting trade, enhancing economic collaboration, and facilitating international trade agreements between Brunei and India on the Commonwealth Platform. The role will involve active engagement in trade programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two countries. In this capacity, Panicker has already taken steps to further the relationship between Brunei and India.
International Marine Investment Meet proposed in Brunei
The Newly appointed Trade Commissioner submitted a proposal for an “International Marine Investment Meet in Brunei,” planned in collaboration with leading stakeholders in the global marine sector, to the Prime Minister of Brunei via the High Commissioner of Brunei to India.
The conference aims to connect investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore opportunities for growth and sustainable development in Brunei’s growing marine industry. The theme of the conference will be “Navigating Opportunities in Marine Development in Brunei,” with a focus on the country’s strategic location and its potential as a hub for marine investment and innovation.
The official appointment ceremony for the Honorary Trade Commissioner of India Commonwealth Trade Council will be held in Brunei in December. Panicker’s new role underscores the importance of strengthening economic and trade relations between India, UAE and Brunei, especially in sectors like marine development, where both countries have significant potential for growth and collaboration.
Global Marine Industry Association
In addition to enhancing economic and trade relations among these countries, action plans will be launched to establish a “Global Marine Industry Association”, focused on fostering growth in their marine development sectors. This association will organize international conferences on the marine industry, drawing participation from leading entrepreneurs, with events scheduled to take place in Dubai, India, and Brunei. N.M. Panicker, newly appointed as Honorary Trade Commissioner, shared these plans.
“Launching this new route is more than just a flight connection—it is a bridge between two nations. We are thrilled to open new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Brunei and India. This route connects Bruneians and international guests to the vibrant city of Chennai and offers expanded travel options for Indians wishing to explore Brunei,” Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO
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