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Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2020
Another market access initiative is the Bruneian
Made, which aims to increase local businesses’
presence in the domestic market by showcasing
products in local supermarkets and partnering
with souvenir shops, the Brunei International
Airport and premium hotels.
In terms of international market access, DARe
works closely with government agencies to
facilitate companies that are ready to network
with big players outside of the country to grow
their business and are looking to export.
DARe LINKS, on the other hand, is a linkage pro-
gramme between large companies and MSMEs.
Through a series of assessments, mentoring and
training, DARe helps MSMEs secure contracts
with participating large companies.
Other services
DARe makes it easy for businesses to access
government services at its Business Support
Centre. In addition, businesses can apply for various
permits, licenses and registration. Businesses
can also learn more about the programmes and
incentives available for MSMEs.
In terms of financing, DARe offers a Co-Matching
whereby businesses invest in 30 per cent of
the total cost of a project, while DARe funds
the remaining 70 per cent for a maximum of
BND20,000.
Meanwhile, Biz Brunei is an initiative by DARe
to provide an online news platform to feature
stories of local entrepreneurs.
Achievements and future plans
With regards toDARe’s achievements in 2019, CEO
Javed Ahmad said he is proud of DARe providing a
platform where people can test out their business
ideas and raise funds from investors — not only
in the country but also regional markets such as
Singapore and Malaysia.
Javed also mentioned that several businesses in
the country have recently attained international
certification. He hoped that more business will
be certified ready to export their products.
Touching on DARe’s plans for 2020 and beyond,
he said that DARe is looking at investing in a new
facility, potentially in the Salambigar industrial
site. “That’s something that we are quite excited
about because that’s building infrastructure in
the country from our own operating resources,
as opposed to relying on government funding,”
Javed said.