Brunei Businesses Explore Opportunities at CAEXPO in Guangxi

Brunei's growing connectivity with the Guangxi region of China is being leveraged by local businesses as a strategic entry point into the broader Chinese market. At the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), held from September 17 to 21 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, twelve Bruneian businesses showcased their products and services, ranging from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to Foreign Direct Investment Companies (FDIs) and Government-Linked Companies (GLCs).

The Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) facilitated Brunei's participation across three key locations at the expo. The Commodity Pavilion, which serves as the main platform for ASEAN countries, featured eight Bruneian businesses. Additionally, the ASEAN Hi-Tech Gallery highlighted local tech firms such as EVYD Technologies and two startups from the Brunei Innovation Lab. The tourism-focused Cities of Charm (COC) showcased the Royal Regalia Museum, with Darussalam Services aiming to engage Chinese travel partners.

“We’re joining this year’s CAEXPO as we are very keen to tap into the sea links opened by Muara Port Company between Brunei and Guangxi.”Alex Chiam, General Manager, Barramundi

Brunei's trade with China has seen steady growth over the past decade, reaching a record US$2.809 billion in 2024. This growth has fueled optimism among Bruneian businesses looking to expand their exports into China. The recent launch of the Muara–Beibu Gulf container line by Muara Port Company in 2023 has further strengthened connectivity, providing a direct shipping link between Brunei and Guangxi.

“Our recent export milestone with BEDB has given us the confidence to keep pursuing international markets.”Md Nur Khalid Hj Alias, Sahamada

Alex Chiam, General Manager of Barramundi, an FDI from Singapore that centralizes its barramundi farming in Brunei, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented by the CAEXPO. “We’re joining this year’s CAEXPO as we are very keen to tap into the sea links opened by Muara Port Company between Brunei and Guangxi,” he stated. Barramundi currently exports to markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, and has previously reached Chinese cities such as Shanghai. Chiam highlighted the affluent Chinese middle-class market as a key growth driver for their operations.

MSME Sahamada, known for its Cinta sauces, also sees the expo as a vital opportunity to gauge market response to its new seafood and fish cracker product lines. The company recently achieved its first export to Singapore with support from the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). Md Nur Khalid Hj Alias, whose father founded the business over 20 years ago, remarked, “Our recent export milestone with BEDB has given us the confidence to keep pursuing international markets.”

“Through platforms like CAEXPO and the Brunei–Guangxi Economic Corridor, we are seeing growing interest from Brunei and Chinese firms.”Daniel Leong, Acting CEO, BEDB

At the Commodity Pavilion, BEDB promoted local products and highlighted foreign direct investment opportunities, emphasizing the synergies in supporting Brunei’s diversification journey and developing priority clusters. “Through platforms like CAEXPO and the Brunei–Guangxi Economic Corridor, we are seeing growing interest from Brunei and Chinese firms,” said Daniel Leong, Acting CEO of BEDB. “These partnerships will invest in Brunei to strengthen industrial value chains, boost exports, create jobs and build linkages with MSMEs.”