By Azlan Othman in Singapore

Singapore - The Brunei Forum currently held in Singapore received a positive response from the Singaporean and Bruneian businessmen.

Richard Hoon, CEO oil Search Worldwide (international executive search consultants), said it's a brilliant idea and a great start.

"Both countries have good government relations and share common currency. Brunei can leverage Singapore companies. Talents in Brunei are not exposed while Singapore's foreign talents can assist the Sultanate,- he said.

"In addition, Brunei has good natural resources. Singapore has the ornamental fish production hut lacks space to develop. This is where Brunei can come in with its hinterland and cooperate with Singapore, he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Mashhor Group of Companies, Malai Haji Abdul Hamid bin Hj Malai Mashhor, said the move to organise the forum is a wise decision and timely for the people in Asean to know about investment opportunities in Brunei.

"We need to go out of the country. Foreigners may not be able to come to Brunei. It is a positive move for both the government and private sectors to cooperate in launching this commitment for the investors to invest in Brunei. If there's no confidence, it would be a loss to the nation.

The President of Indian Chamber of Commerce, Nazeer Ahamed bin Ahamed Zakaria, who is also the managing proprietor of Nazmi Textile Mall, said the Brunei government is keen in attracting investment into the country by providing a conducive atmosphere like no income tax and cheap cost of operation. Many Singaporean Indians also carry out business -in textile and selling of stationeries.

Meanwhile, Dato Paduka Lim Beng Thai, CEO of Lim Teck Hoo Holdings Sdn Bhd and a member of BEDB, said we are now opening up for more business opportunities, which is the main purpose of organising the event. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin