Yang Mulia Mohammad Harris bin Brigadier Jeneral (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Trade and Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, officiated the opening of the 2026 BIMP-EAGA Strategic Planning Meeting (SPM) held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Bandar Seri Begawan, from 9 to 12 February 2026.
In his welcoming remarks, Yang Mulia Mohammad Harris reminded officials of the BIMP-EAGA, particularly the Heads of Cluster and Working Groups, on the directives set during the 28th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting, namely the importance of digital transformation and innovation as drivers of competitiveness, as well as the strengthening of connectivity and supply chains to enhance economic growth. The 2026 BIMP-EAGA SPM will, amongst others, deliberate on existing Rolling Pipelines of Projects (RPOPs), identify RPOPs for the 2026 to 2028 period. Moreover, the SPM will develop implementation plans for convergence projects between the BIMP-EAGA Cluster and Working Groups.
To conclude the 2026 BIMP-EAGA SPM, a plenary session attended by Senior Officials from BIMP-EAGA Countries, the Asian Development Bank and the BIMP
EAGA Business Councils will be held on 12 February 2026. The session will discuss ongoing initiatives within BIMP-EAGA, as well as preparations for the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit and the 29th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting and Related Meetings to be held later in the year.
On the sidelines of the four-day 2026 BIMP-EAGA SPM, a mini expo organised by the Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council is also being held, with participation from 10 local and regional Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The mini expo aims to promote locally made Bruneian products, enhance MSMEs’ market visibility and access, facilitate business networking and provide trade exposure into the BIMP-EAGA market.
The SPM serves as the annual season-opener for all related BIMP-EAGA meetings, bringing together all relevant stakeholders including the private sector within the sub-region to strategize and chart the direction of cooperation for the year ahead.
Prepared by:-
Trade Division
Ministry of Finance and Economy
Email: pr@mofe.gov.bn -END-
Date: 21 Syaaban 1447 / 9 February 2026
Reference: KKWE/TD/UBE: SPM