BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Development of Brunei’s maritime sector will likely be essential to the nation’s financial competitiveness within the coming years, the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications mentioned on Thursday.
Talking on the launch of Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2026, Dato Mohd Riza DP Hj Mohd Yunos mentioned maritime growth is “not merely a sectoral precedence”, however will likely be elementary to financial development and resilience.
“The ocean has all the time been the sultanate’s gateway to commerce, meals safety, vitality and worldwide connectivity. As we speak, that gateway is extra essential than ever,” he mentioned.
Brunei has made important investments in maritime infrastructure, together with the growth of Muara Port, which is slated for completion within the third quarter of 2027. As soon as accomplished, the challenge will greater than double the port’s annual container dealing with capability from 220,000 TEU to 500,000 TEU yearly.
The challenge may even embrace a 3.26-hectare Port Commerce Zone — conceived as a fully-fledged free-trade zone to streamline importing, manufacturing, repackaging, and exporting.
Nonetheless, the minister emphasised that infrastructure alone won’t generate financial worth, however that true worth comes from larger cargo volumes, extra dependable delivery companies, environment friendly regulation, and aggressive maritime companies.
“Our goal is due to this fact clear: to translate infrastructure into elevated commerce, stronger funding, increased productiveness and high quality employment alternatives for Bruneians,” Dato Mohd Riza mentioned.
He additionally highlighted the significance of maritime safety, noting that protected seas are important to attracting funding.
In keeping with the United Nations Convention on Commerce and Growth, international seaborne commerce grew by solely 0.5% in 2025. That stagnant development has been compounded by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz because the outbreak of the US-Iran battle.
“World provide chains proceed to face geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related disruptions and rising operational prices,” the minister mentioned. “Protected seas construct confidence, confidence strengthens the financial system, and a future-ready workforce transforms alternative into lasting nationwide progress.”
Public invited to discover Brunei Maritime Week
Now in its third version, Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week serves as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration throughout the maritime sector.
Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam, the showcase brings collectively leaders from business, academia, authorities businesses, and worldwide organisations.
Carrying the theme “Powering Maritime Excellence: Protected Seas, Thriving Financial system, Future-Prepared Folks,” the three-day occasion runs from August 6 to eight at Dermaga Diraja. It options an exhibition with 70 worldwide exhibitors alongside an business discussion board the place consultants will share views on vital maritime points.
The occasion is open to the general public day by day from 8am-5pm (with a break for Friday prayers from 12pm-2pm). For the total schedule of boards, exhibitions, and actions, go to www.bruneimaritimeweek.com
