5 Canadian firms to take part in Bridex

CANADA's High Commissioner to Brunei Wendell Sanford said yesterday that his country was exploring ways to find a niche in the Brunei market such as by participating in the upcoming Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Bridex).

In an interview with The Brunei Times during "Canada Day 2009" celebrations of its 142nd anniversary of the founding of the nation yesterday, Sanford said: "We are looking for expanding partnership in Brunei, and four or five Canadian firms will be taking at Bridex. One firm specialises in search and rescue operations. This is an enormous advantage for both Canada and Brunei."

When asked how their participation during Bridex would benefit both countries, the High Commissioner said: "This could create sales and jobs for Canada, and at the same time, Brunei can save money, make money and have equipment such as regional jets."

The High Commissioner also lauded the Sultanate's economy, saying that given the current global economic circumstances, there are still growing businesses and opportunities in the country.

In addition, Sanford said that the high commission was working closely with the Ministry of Education to further develop opportunities and its existing relationship between the two countries.

He said: "I hope that by the end of the year, Brunei will be able to send 50 students to Canada under their scholarship programme."

During the Canada Day celebrations, Sanford expressed his appreciation to a number of Canadian companies, such as the Royal Bank of Canada and Bombardier Aerospace amongst many others, for investing time and effort in developing a market or investment relationships with firms in Brunei.

"Each firm has (shown) their (interests) in looking forward to continued opportunities to grow within the Brunei market," he said.

Sanford also said that Canada would be pleased to assist Brunei in capacity building, not just through Foreign Direct investment from Canadian companies, but also engage other local companies.

Also present at the event was Minister of Development Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar and his wife Datin Hjh Hasiah.

The celebration kicked-off with the playing of the National Anthems of Brunei and Canada and

the highlight of the event was the cutting of the Canada Day cake by the Minister of Development and Canada's High Commissioner to Brunei. The Brunei Times