The total amount of exports between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah in 2025 reached BND1.95 million while imports stood at BND2.01 million.
Meanwhile, the total amount of exports with Sarawak was BND18.2 million and imports were BND1.47 million. Such data reflects the quality and compentitiveness of local products in neighbouring markets.
The bilateral trade figures between the Sultanate and Sabah and Sarawak were highlighted by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah yesterday during th fourth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo).
He was responding to a question from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding progress in cross-border economic cooperations, high-impact projects, investments, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure direct contributions to economic growth and job creation.
The minister described how ties between Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak continue to gro across various fields including trade and tourism.
The relationship was further enhanced by the annual leaders’ consultation, the highest-level bilateral mechanism co-chaired by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkian Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim.
It serves as an important platform for both countries to assess progress and explore potential collaborations.
Beside the consultation, he noted the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei also plays role as a strategic catalyst in strengthening relationships and connecting entrepreneurs with local and Sarawakian industries.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Brunei Economic Development Board remain committed to strengthening cross-border economic cooperation with a strategic approach focusing on value chains that have a direct impact on the country.
It includes strengthening the potential of micro, small and medium enterprises and market access.
In this regard, he shared that a market exploratory visit Kuching was carried out last February by 31 businesspeople representing 18 local companies in sectors such as food and beverage, aggrotech, information and communications technology and technological solutions.
Some 10 local businesses also took part in the Big Sabah Sales expo 2025 on October 31, 2025 in Kota Kinabalu, followed by a buyer from Sabah, a strategic focus in increasing market access for local products.
On strategic projects and subregional ties to ensure sustainable growth, he said the ministry focuses on high-value projects that bring mutual benefits, including the Sarawak-Brunei interconnection expected to open opportunities for bilateral electricity trade and increase energy security by providing a more stable supply source.
In terms of BIMP-EAGA, several initiatives have been identified, including the development of west economics corridor involving Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak to increase trade and investment while supporting the logistics and modern agriculture sectors.
There is also and initiative to review the memorandum of understanding (MoU) un the transportation sector to ensure it remains relevant for investment and tourism.
He added several projects led by local business have been implemented through MoUs with businesses in Sabah and Sarawak within the agribusiness and transportation sectors.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
