Brunei and the Philippines to expand ties in Agricultural, Maritime, and Tourism sectors
On May 30, Brunei Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Abdul Manaf Metussin and the Philippines Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco signed a landmark agreement on tourism cooperation. This signing was witnessed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to Brunei, sealing the commitment between the two nations.
This new agreement will bolster efforts in strengthening, promoting, and developing tourism cooperation between the two nations that renewed similar agreement that was signed in 2011. Key objectives of the new agreement include collaborations to promote halal tourism, medical tourism, eco-tourism, as well as promoting commercial arrangements among national airlines including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Royal Brunei Airlines.
The state visit by Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Brunei in May also highlighted the following areas for increased bilateral cooperation: Agribusiness and food processing; renewable energy, and Islamic finance. In particular, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual supported President Marcos’ investment appeal towards Brunei ‘s leaders regarding the Philippines’ potential for clean energy and Brunei’s role in facilitating the energy transition efforts in the Philippines. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Also emphasized the potential growth in foods exports.