THE success of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East-Asian Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) depends on the sub-region's ability to encourage the participation of the community at all levels, especially the private sector. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted this during the Fifth Bimp-Eaga Summit held here yesterday, which coincided with the 14th Asean Summit in Cha-am and Hua Hin.
In the presence of Heads of State and Government of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin hotel, the venue of this year's summit, His Majesty stressed the member countries' roles in assisting their respective private sectors in developing the sub-region by enhancing the level of interaction between the business community and the Bimp-Eaga Process.
In his titah at the summit, His Majesty also noted the "positive progress" achieved by the tourism and investment sectors, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The monarch added that the sub-region needs to continue its efforts in the facilitation of free flow of goods, services, investment and people in Bimp-Eaga, more so now as the world is going through a financial crisis.
In this regard, His Majesty lauded the ongoing developments in enhancing connectivity via air, land and sea linkages within the sub-region. His Majesty said that these efforts will benefit the people and help businessmen reduce the cost of doing business in Bimp-Eaga.
Delving into the issue of climate change and its adverse effects on the environment, the monarch called on the member countries to take advantage of the Heart of Borneo and Coral Triangle initiatives, since Bimp-Eaga is in a good position to become a centre of excellence for research in conservation methods, biotechnology and alternative sources of renewable energy. In this light, His Majesty welcomed youths from the sub-region to participate in the biodiversity workshop for young scientists, which will be held in the Sultanate later this year.
His Majesty also encouraged the Asean Secretariat to further promote Bimp-Eaga initiatives to all Asean Dialogue Partners.
With regards to this, the monarch said that the sub-region's engagement with its partners such as China and Japan, could add value to regional cooperation.
The Bimp-Eaga Summit closed with the four leaders endorsing the Joint Statement of the 5th Bimp-Eaga Summit.
After the summit, His Majesty along with Asean Heads of State and Government attended a series of informal meetings with representatives of various Asean organisations, which included the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Asean Youth and the Asean Civil Society.
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