Study to find best uses of country's limited land

NATIONAL think-tank Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) has enlisted an Australian consultancy firm to map out a long-term plan that will get the most out of limited land for industrial and commercial development.

A contract was signed yesterday at the CSPS headquarters in Gadong that will see SGS Economics and Planning produce a final report, which will include an "Economic Diversification Strategy Review" and a "Land Use Plan for optimal commercial and industrial land" in 12 months.

Land use optimisation is one of the key challenges Brunei faces in meeting the national development goals stipulated in the Brunei Vision 2035, CSPS Chairman Dato Paduka Hj Murni Hj Mohamed.

The Sultanate aims to become one of the world's top 10 countries in terms of GDP per capita with a sustainable, dynamic economy achieved through progressive industrialisation and economic diversification.

"The purpose of the study is to project industrial and commercial land use requirements for achieving and maintaining economic diversification for Brunei over a long-term period of up to 2035 and beyond," the CSPS chairman said.

The Australian experts will be carrying out the project in three clusters, namely through a study of existing landscape with focus on industrial and commercial growth, identifying potential land zones for preferred commercial and industrial activities and preparing a comprehensive strategy for planners to "fully convert" the proposals into implementation.

Dato Hj Murni also called for cooperation from every stakeholder to make the study a success. He added that SGS together with the CSPS will be meeting with the relevant agencies to collect the information and feedback needed for the study.

In a statement, SGS also stressed the importance of land use planning in economic diversification and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

"Among the many strategies that countries like Brunei can pursue to attract and facilitate FDI is the provision and promotion of appropriately zoned and located land and infrastructure for new industry.

"The strategy will focus primarily on the promotion of Brunei's land and associated infrastructure assets to accommodate new investment," the company said.

Speaking to reporters, the CSPS executive director explained that as population continued to increase, land would become more limited in the future, and thus, stressed the need for studies to be carried out now for effective optimisation of this land.

The budget for the land study was approved by the Brunei Research Council, a press release from the think-tank said. It did not disclose the cost of the year-long study.

Development Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman witnessed the signing of the contract between CSPS Executive Director Dato Paduka Dr Hj Ismail Hj Duraman and Roger Gibbins, director of SGS Economics and Planning. Also present as witness yesterday was Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Mark Sawer.

The Brunei Times