SEDCO Chairman, Datuk Hj Mohd Arifin Md Arif who led the delegation said apart from bolstering bilateral friendships, the visit also aimed at exploring and initiating business cooperation among entrepreneurs and agencies of Brunei and Sabah.

“We would like to learn from Brunei’s experience of global business environment and to look at potentials for cooperation with Brunei businessmen in areas like residential development, tourism and halal hub” said Datuk Mohd Arifin.  Sabah he added was looking forward for a more significant investment from Brunei especially to seize the vast opportunities in its ever-growing tourism and hospitality industries. 

The two-day visit started off with a courtesy call to Malaysian Envoy to Brunei, Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari at Malaysian High Commission in Jalan Kebangsaan.  This was followed by a courtesy call to Second Finance Minister, Pehin Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Ibrahim at the Ministry of Finance.  At the Ministry, the delegation also met with officials from Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), the Sultanate’s key financial and investment arm which manages its investment abroad.  Both parties discussed possibilities of Brunei investing in tourism industry and completed property projects in Sabah.

The delegation had a site visit to Mahkota Crystal Sdn Bhd at Lambak Kanan Industrial Area, a wholly Government-owned company producing crystal souvenirs and customized gifts. Later at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), the delegation called on its Minister, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Hj Bakar before attending a briefing on the ministry’s direction, and numerous promotion and incentives to spur industries including its SME program.  The briefing also highlighted on the Brunei Halal standards.

The delegation on the second day met up with officials from Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), the nation's leading economic development agency whose functions include to promote and facilitate foreign investment into the country. BEDB briefed the delegation on Brunei’s economic progression, business opportunities and incentives, and present challenges among others.  Also present at the briefing were top representatives from the National Chamber of Commerce.