IN A symbolic handover ceremony that underscored the enduring spirit of cross-border collaboration, the hosting rights for the annual BIMP-EAGA Trade and Tourism Fair were officially transferred to Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday, Nov. 11, marking a pivotal moment for economic integration in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Haji Alimen Jaafar, BIMP-EAGA Business Council Brunei Darussalam country director, accepted the responsibility during the closing ceremony of the three-day expo at Abreeza Mall. Flanked by fellows from BEBC Brunei Kim Chung, and Redentor Laudin, Jaafar emphasized the collective vision driving the sub-region’s progress.
“Today we stand united in the BIMP EAGA Trade and Tourism Fair in Davao City, a testament to our shared commitment to regional growth,” he said.
The event, which kicked off on November 9, has drawn hundreds of visitors eager to explore the diverse array of products, services, and investment opportunities from across the BIMP-EAGA. Booths featuring Halal-certified industries, creative enterprises, eco-cultural destinations, investment-ready ventures, and sustainable trade initiatives have transformed the mall into a bustling hub of commerce and cultural exchange.
“What we have witnessed in the past days is more than just trade and tourism. It is actually a celebration of regional collaboration, shared aspirations, friendships, and the enduring spirit of the BIMP EAGA community,” said Undersecretary Janet Lopoz of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
Lopoz was joined by a cadre of key regional figures, including Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar of DOT Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns Office and chair of the BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development Cluster, DOT Xl Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan, and Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Romeo Castañaga, during the turnover ceremony.
Echoing the fair’s themes of innovation and heritage preservation, Abubakar shared her reflections on the expo’s impact. “What I personally found inspiring throughout this tourism and trade fair is seeing how tourism continues to evolve as a force for good, creating livelihood opportunities, strengthening cross-border ties, and preserving our shared cultural heritage,” she said.
As the fair enters its final day, excitement is already building for Brunei’s turn at the helm. Next year, the Sultanate will host the 29th Ministerial Meeting on BIMP-EAGA and the Trade and Tourism Fair, promising deeper discussions on infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable development. Officials anticipate the event will leverage Brunei’s strategic position and expertise in Halal industries to elevate the sub-region’s global profile.
With the handover complete, stakeholders across BIMP-EAGA are optimistic that Brunei’s stewardship will propel the initiative into a new era of prosperity, one collaborative step at a time.
