Local exporters, large and small, recon there are big opportunities in the small constitutional sultanate of Brunei.

The south East Asian country, on the northern coast of Borneo and almost completely surrounded by Malaysia, is showing a strong interest in Sunraysia produce, particularly almonds and honey.

A Mildura trade delegation has just returned from Brunei, excited by the opportunities the creation of a Sunraysia-based premium Halal food brand presents.

While local honey, citrus, nuts and dried fruit are already exported to Brunei, the substantial food processing industry an international Halal food brand would create would increase volumes significantly, the delegation has reported.

The delegation comprised representatives from Mildura Rural City Council, lead by Mayor Cr John Arnold, the Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board and interested producers, keen to open up a new market for their product.

Mayor Arnold said there had been widespread interest in a number of local produces at the Brunei International Halal Food Expo.

“We are pleased to have been able to support the local businesses that did attend and to represent the others that wanted to make expression of interest,” he said.

“The Mildura delegation fielded a lot of interest in local products, with particular interest in almonds,” Councillor Arnold said

“Significant enquiries were also taken from non alcoholic sparkling fruit drinks, citrus, olive oil, dried fruit and honey,”

Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board CEO, Andrew Millen, said some exporters in the Mildura region already had Australian or related Halal accreditation.

“This puts these businesses in our region in good position to take adventage of future opportunities in this market,” Mr Millen said.

“All of our displayed products were well received. We’re developing some very good contacts and hopefully the opportunities will be there for Mildura businesses to continue discussions for more product to go in,” Mr Millen said.

A Bruneian delegation toured our region in March and Beekeeper’s Choice manager, Ian Oakley, said it was important that a reciprocal trip was made.

“Travelling to Brunei told the Government that I’m serious about exporting and dealing,” Mr Oakley said.

“When they were here earlier this year they went through our factory and were over the moon about what we’re doing. I was surprised by how excited they were.”

Beekeeper’s Choice already exports a small amount of honey to Brunei market, but he said the creation of a broader international Halal brand presented a great opportunity for smaller producers to get on to the world stage.

“The Economic Development Board has introduced me to a lot of people related to honey and then the Brunei trip came up and I thought ‘that would be too good to be true.’ It’s just ideal to deal with one company and have the product eventually go all around the world,” he said.

Mr Oakley said the delegation had made him more aware of the benefits of Council’s efforts to promote the region overseas.

‘I had felt that Council should not be involved in going overseas. Now that I’ve been to Brunei and both times Council’s been involved, I understand it’s almost expected in those countries and that local government certainly has a role to play.

“There’s been a lot of work done and there needs to be some recognition of that.”

The region’s almonds also proved popular and MQH Investments’ Paul Lock said Local Government’s role in the delegation had helped open doors.

“The Bruneians like to deal with Government – whether that’s on State or local level, they like the comfort of having government involved,” Mr Lock said.

“Without Government on beard, we’d be back at square one’”

Mr Lock said the almonds his business produced had a wide range of potential markets.

“Almonds have a long shelf life and have a wide range of applications,” he said.

“The Bruneians are serious. They’ve got big ideas and they do want to do businesswith Australia.”

Mr Lock praised the work of Council’s members in the delegation.

“The delegation that went over there was fantastic. There was no down time – they really did their bit and that was great.”

“These opportunities are worth exploring. You’ve got to make sure you have the resources to back up what you promise, and that includes future expansion of your business.”

Mildura Weekly. August 31, 2007.