CSPS launches journal on economic diversification

The Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) has officially launched the first volume of a journal on strategy and policy that compiles commentary briefs by international and local authors.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam officiated the launching of the first CSPS Strategy and Policy Journal Volume I on 'Economic Diversification' on July 26.

"The journal deliberates key issues faced by Brunei in confronting both globalisation and the need for Brunei to promote a vibrant, non-oil and gas economy," a statement from CSPS released to the media said.

As Brunei is in the midst of pursuing a 30-year old development plan, Brunei Darussalam Long Term Development Plan, the journal provides sets of recommendations that emphasise on the need for further diversification on nation's economy away from the oil and gas sector.

The journal contains six articles with the following titles and authors: 'Economic Diversification in Brunei Darussalam' by Manu Bhaskaran; 'An Economist's Perspective on Economic Diversification in Brunei Darussalam' by Roger Neil Lawrey; 'Challenges in Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 Goals: Economic Diversification in Perspective' by Abdul Amin Hj Hashim; 'Economic Diversification: Creating a Conducive Environment for Small Medium Enterprises to Flourish in Brunei Darussalam' by Dato Dr Hj Ismail Hj Duraman and Nawin Tharumarajah; 'Trade, Economic Policy and Diversification: The Malaysian Experience' by Shankaran Nambiarl; and 'Economic Diversification and Environment Security: Key Challenges for Asian Governments' by Euston Quah Teong Ewe.

CSPS, which recently participated in the Knowledge Convention 2010, said it received positive responses and encouraging feedbacks from various stakeholders and visitors.

The centre expects to publish its journal with various themes periodically. The first issue, "Economic Diversification" is available for sale at $20 and five set of reports for $50 at the centre's headquarters in Jalan Pasar Batu, Gadong.

The Brunei Times