H.E. Mr. Sidek Bin Ali

H.E. Mr. Sidek Bin Ali
H.E. Mr. Sidek Bin Ali

Asia News Agency extends its greetings to Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of its 26th National Day and on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with India.

Asia News Agency caught up with the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to India, His Excellency Mr Sidek Bin Ali, for his views on various issues concerning the two nations. Here is his extensive interview.

ANA: India has not made any direct investments in Brunei. India is also not one of the major trading partners of Brunei in terms of both exports and imports. It is behind countries like China, Malaysia, Singapore, the US and Japan. Excellency, what, in your opinion, are the major drawbacks and what needs to be done to improve the two-way trade between India and your country?

HE: First of all, allow me to convey my gratitude to Asia News Agency for giving me the opportunity to express my views on relations between Brunei Darussalam and India.

The potential for enhancing economic interaction between Brunei Darussalam and India is always there. The business sectors from both countries need to know each other better in order to identify the opportunities available in each other’s country. There have to be more connectivity and interactions between our countries such as through exchanges of business visits, trade seminars and exhibitions. This is where my role as High Commissioner comes in to facilitate the links.

ANA: India is an energy hungry country and Brunei is a net exporter of petroleum. With large proven oil and natural gas reserves, Excellency, do you see Brunei emerging as an important and long-lasting supplier of oil and gas for India?

HE:
We see the long-term potential of supplying India with oil and gas. Already Brunei Shell Petroleum exports oil to Bharat Oil Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation. We also see the potential of cooperation in areas relating to oil and gas with India.

ANA: Our understanding is that the except the oil and gas industry in Brunei, the development of industries in other fields is still nascent. Excellency, how can India help in the development of your country and what are the possible areas where there can be more synergy between the two countries?

HE: Currently we are in the process of diversifying our economy. There are many areas in which we can cooperate with India. We are now looking at expanding our oil and gas industry to include downstream activities, tourism and IT. We are also keen to develop renewable energy such as solar power, biodiesel, and coal water mixture for power plants.

ANA: The major current economic policy objectives of your country appear to be aimed at economic diversification (to reduce dependence on oil and gas) and the growth of the private sector. Since agriculture is a significant economic activity, is the food processing industry a potential area for joint collaboration? Similarly, there could be scope for knowledge industries, financial services, etc.

HE: We have always wanted to be more self-sufficient in our food production. So, food processing is certainly a potential area for collaboration. As rice is the staple food of our countries, there is opportunity for us to cooperate in the production, processing as well as packaging of the product.

On knowledge industries and financial services, we welcome cooperation in these areas. Cooperation in knowledge industries is very valuable. Technology is very fluid and so we need to upgrade ourselves constantly. For financial services, Brunei Darussalam is currently active in promoting Islamic Banking. This is one of the fastest growing sectors and since India has a substantial population of Muslims, I think we can look at this area for cooperation.
ANA: Bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1984 and resident diplomatic missions exchanged in mid-1993. Since then there have been many bilateral exchanges. Excellency, where do you think bilateral relations between the two countries stand today and what is their future potential?

HE: The relations between Brunei Darussalam and India are excellent and Brunei Darussalam attaches great importance to this relationship. His Majesty the Sultan paid two State visits to India in September 1992 and May 2008. There have also been several visits exchange at ministerial and senior official levels. These visits have helped to enhance the relations between our counties. We have also cooperation in various areas with India and as stated earlier there is potential for collaboration in many other fields. The future of our relationship is, therefore, bright.

ANA: Brunei has been responsive to India’s ‘Look East’ policy and supported India becoming a full dialogue partner of ASEAN. Excellency, do you see India taking on a greater role in South-East Asia and would your country support such efforts?

HE: There is no doubt that India will have a greater role in Southeast Asia. India has been focusing on forging close economic and commercial ties, increasing strategic and security cooperation, and laying emphasis on historical, cultural and ideological links. As a huge country and being one of the fastest growing economies, India can contribute a lot to the development of peace and harmony in the region, as it has done over the years. Its ‘ Look East Policy’ is a testimony of that.

ANA: Contacts between India and Brunei have been historical. Brunei also carries a legacy of Hindu and Buddhist cultural traditions. Excellency, in present Brunei, are there common traditional linkages in culture, language and social customs?

HE: Indeed Brunei Darussalam and India have historical links that date back as far as the 7th century. The legacy of India’s influence remains in our culture and traditions to this day. Some of our local cuisines, Malay marriage ceremonies, and also the Malay language have some Indian elements. Some Indian words which are similar to the Malay words are kursi (chair), almari (cupboard), mantri (minister) and chhuti (day-off).