LOCAL industries are set to receive international recognition with the showcasing of Brunei-made products in Nanning, China later this month, where two pavilions have been reserved for the sultanate in the China-Asean Expo (Caexpo).

The Brunei Darussalam Trade and Commodities Pavilion will carry a range of products from various industries from October 28 to 31.

Participating in the four-day expo are 18 local small and medium enterprises (SME's) from various industries, ranging from food production to ICT and education.

One such SME is local food-product manufacturer Sabli Food Industries, which will showcase a series of their Halal-certified products such as chicken curry, corned beef, anchovy sambal, chicken kurma, chicken rendang and coffee powder.

Hj Mohd Nooh, manager of Sabli Food Industries, said they have high expectations that promoting their products in China will generate positive outcomes, especially given the recent rise in investments in the Brunei Halal Brand.

According to Mohd Nooh, the company has made some progress in penetrating the international market, as evidenced by requests for their products from various countries, such as Dubai, Oman and Japan.

Their products have also been widely accepted in Malaysia through Sabah.

Mohd Nooh said that in the Nanning expo, Sabli will be holding food tasting opportunities where they serve product samples to the general public.

Another Brunei industry to be showcased in the Caexpo is education, which involves the promotion of Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) post- and undergraduate programmes.

According to UBD's Director of International Affairs, Datin Hjh Rosnah Ramly, the university is sending two local senior lecturers to showcase the various range of programs offered by the university.

Currently, there are five Chinese nationals studying at UBD at both post- and undergraduate levels.

Three are studying under the Faculty of Business, Economics and Policy Studies while the other two are undergoing postgraduate studies in Intensive English for Diplomacy and Diplomatic Communications.

Datin Hjh Rosnah said that UBD aims to further promote education in Brunei to other countries, adding there has already been enthusiastic response from China.

Semaun Holdings will also be representing their group of companies at the expo through Semaun Aqua Culture, Seiwa Corporation, Semaun Marine and Mahkota Crystal.

This year, Brunei has been given recognition as 'Country of Honour' at the expo where the participating SME's and establishments will have the opportunity to showcase the country's unique features.

The Brunei Times, Syed Rory. Tuesday, October 23, 2007.