The third meeting of the India–Brunei Darussalam Joint Trade Committee (JTC) reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with both sides exploring ways to expand trade, improve market access and facilitate business-to-business exchanges. The discussions also focused on facilitating Indian exports of agricultural and animal products to Brunei Darussalam to support food security and diversify bilateral trade.
The meeting was co-chaired by Amit Verma, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India, and Dr. May Fa’ezah Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary (Economy & Trade), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Brunei Darussalam. Representatives from relevant ministries, departments and organisations of both countries participated in the deliberations.
Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare and Energy Identified as Key Areas
Pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy were identified as key areas for further cooperation. Both sides explored opportunities for regulatory collaboration, procurement and healthcare services, recognising the potential to deepen engagement in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Discussions on energy covered both traditional and emerging areas of cooperation, with a focus on supporting sustained industrial growth, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Trade Promotion and Business Exchanges
The two sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties and commercial outreach through cooperation in tourism and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
They noted that targeted trade promotion events and reciprocal business delegations could help identify investment opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure and services, while strengthening commercial engagement between the two countries.
Commitment to Sustained Engagement
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular communication between relevant nodal agencies and working groups to monitor follow-up actions and advance the trade and investment objectives discussed during the meeting.
The next meeting of the India–Brunei Darussalam Joint Trade Committee will be held in Brunei Darussalam.
-PIB Inputs
