News From : DagangHalal.com (06 Apr 2010)
A NUMBER of major Canadian companies are looking at establishing a presence in Brunei, Wendell J Sanford, High Commissioner of Canada, yesterday said at the opening of the Alliance Francaise Francophonie Week.
The High Commission of Canada had previously stated in a release that investments by both sides and partnering ventures could greatly contribute to enlarging each other’s market base and presence in their respective region, but had not reached their full potential.
The envoy declined to specify exactly which companies had their eye on Brunei but said that there was interest from a number of firms from different industries.
He said the plan of drug company Viva to set up a halal pharmaceutical production facility here was already “in the bag”.
Also, he said, “We’re working with DST now to bring in a real (licensed) Blackberry service” which would enable users to have the full functional capabilities available on the device, which is not currently available in Brunei.
Sanford also said that a major Canadian company had put in a bid for 0.5 trillion cubic feet of Brunei gas, “but whether they’ll be successful on that, I don’t know”.
He stressed,“The point is that they’re here and they are interested.” Canada is also working closely with the Brunei government on the “Heart of Borneo” project and there would be a possibility of Viva pharmaceuticals exploring the use of local natural ingredients in the production of halal drugs, said the envoy.
But he could not confirm yet what Viva’s plans were regarding the use of those types of ingredients.
The envoy will be visiting Canada this week to explore further trade opportunities between Canada and Brunei.
“I’m going to Canada on Thursday this week, and I’m working closely with the Department of Development here (in Brunei) and the province of Nova Scotia, Canada on solid waste management so I will talk to them and see if we can advance on that”, Sanford said. He said he was also going to meet with McCain Foods, a maker of French fries and potato products based in New Brunswick, Canada on the possibility of venturing into Brunei.
“We’ve been talking to them about expanding more different frozen foods, and of course I will be visiting with Research In Motion (RIM) about the Blackberry situation, so we’re definitely really busy,” he said.
He said that he would also be meeting with a number of aeroplane manufacturers in Canada on possible projects here.
The envoy also cited several major equipment sales deals that had taken place between Brunei and Canada, but declined to specify details.
The Brunei Times