Plans to facilitate business start-ups

THE Steering Committee for the Provision of Public Service by Government Agencies is currently attempting to shorten the processes of licence applications to better facilitate business start-ups in the country.

Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar said that a comprehensive research has been conducted and "several advices have been presented."

The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources said this during the celebration of the Civil Service Day at the residence of the Belait district officer yesterday.

The steering committee was formed earlier this year to make it easy for the public to deal with government agencies, and improve the delivery of public services in the country.

He stressed that it would be difficult for the government to achieve its objectives if there is no cooperation from every party in every level.

"I hope that with the cooperation from all parties, we would not only (meet) the needs of businesses in the country, but we would also improve Brunei's ranking in the (World Bank's ) Ease of Doing Business research," he said.

Brunei was ranked 78 out of 178 countries, with Singapore ranked as the top country in the Ease of Doing Business.

Dato Hj Mohd Hamid also mentioned that the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has established the e-MIPR business help centre that makes it easier for businesses to apply licences through the online business facilitation service.

"In the long-term, it is the hope of the ministry to make e-MIPR as a single window in delivering services to investors," he added.

The Brunei Times