India, Brunei Review Trade Ties to Expand Market Access

India and Brunei review bilateral trade, focusing on agricultural exports, market access and business exchanges, while identifying pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy as priority areas for cooperation.

India and Brunei Darussalam have reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation, exploring ways to expand trade, improve market access and strengthen business-to-business exchanges at the third meeting of the India-Brunei Darussalam Joint Trade Committee (JTC). The discussions focused on identifying new commercial opportunities and diversifying trade between the two countries.

The meeting was co-chaired by Amit Verma, Joint Secretary in India’s Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Dr. May Fa’ezah Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary for Economy and Trade at Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Representatives from relevant ministries, departments and organisations from both countries participated.

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A key area of discussion was facilitating Indian exports of agricultural and animal products to Brunei. The initiative aims to support Brunei’s food security while expanding opportunities for Indian exporters. Both sides also discussed institutional mechanisms to improve market access and encourage stronger commercial engagement between businesses.

Pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy were identified as priority sectors for further cooperation. Discussions covered potential regulatory collaboration, procurement opportunities and healthcare services. In the energy sector, both countries explored cooperation across traditional and emerging areas to support industrial development.

The two sides also highlighted tourism, trade fairs and exhibitions as ways to strengthen people-to-people links and promote commercial activity. Targeted trade events and reciprocal business delegations could help identify investment opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure and services.

India and Brunei reaffirmed their commitment to regular communication between relevant agencies and working groups to monitor follow-up actions and advance trade and investment objectives. The next meeting of the Joint Trade Committee is scheduled to take place in Brunei Darussalam.

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The discussions form part of broader efforts to deepen economic engagement between the two countries. Improved market access, closer coordination and stronger private sector participation could help expand bilateral trade and create opportunities across agriculture, healthcare, energy and other sectors.