Singapore’s Mustafa Centre will retail Bruneian made F&B products for the first time following the shipment of a container with products from five local businesses.
The 20-foot container leaves for Singapore tomorrow via Amann Shipping, carrying almost 300 cartons of products.
These are Ghanim International Corporation’s crackers, chilli sauce, vegetable oil and water; Sahamada’s fish and chilli sauces and seafood and potato crackers; Taurean Bakeshop’s cookies; Marimin’s prawn and fish crackers; and Sabli’s teh tarik powder.
The milestone is another export collaboration between Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), and follows last week’s agreement signed for three Brunei producers to export to Sabah.
DARe has been engaging Mustafa since earlier this year, when they invited representatives for business matching sessions with local producers at the Brunei MSME Festival in March, followed by a visit by DARe to Mustafa in April.
Mustafa representatives returned to Brunei in July for a dedicated exporting to Singapore seminar with DARe. Alongside the seminar, potential exportable products were sampled by Mustafa, with DARe facilitating further discussions including price negotiations.
Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and DARe Acting CEO Daniel Leong said the export should be seen as a starting point for local producers to build upon, and pledged his organisation’s continued commitment to work in facilitating further exports.
“Securing access to foreign markets is no small feat, and our efforts highlight the significance of collaboration, negotiation, and fostering partnerships both at home and abroad,” he said.
“Access to foreign markets requires a combination of policy coordination, product promotion, and a willingness to negotiate pricing and supply frequency with the importers.”
DARe offers several initiatives that can help local producers towards export. Aside from providing direct access to foreign buyers and expos, DARe also provides consultancy for international certifications, capacity building in specific areas, financing and the provision of factory space or land.
Businesses keen to participate in similar opportunities can contact export@dare.gov.bn and visit DARe’s website to learn more.
Mustafa Centre is a landmark retail attraction in Little India, popular amongst locals and tourists alike who seek it out for its extended operating hours and affordable prices.
