Capitalizing on the economic opportunities of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), a Brunei company has partnered with the Palawan municipality of Narra for the development of a farm-to-market road technology and the operation of a depot.
Ray Base Sdn Bhd on Monday (Sept. 2) signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality of Narra, Palawan to develop the area into an agricultural hub of BIMP-EAGA.
The farm-to-market road technology will facilitate the transportation of agricultural products to the market while the depot will supply diesel and fertilizer at Narra’s Pier of Panacan—to support local farmers, business, and the town’s operations.
Ray Base’s local partner, Farm Konekt, will execute the farmer clustering and logistical support.
This partnership, the first of its kind between Narra and Brunei Darussalam’s private sector, comes at a significant milestone in Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of the Philippines’ bilateral relationship as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
Mayor Gerandy Danao signed on behalf of the municipality.
Her Excellency Megawati Manan, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines, and acting municipal administrator Edmond Gastanes witnessed the signing.
In attendance were Atty. Joshua Bolusa, provincial legal officer representing Palawan Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates; executives of Ray Base subsidiaries from Eager Energy for Fuel and Terra Tech; and Farm Konekt CEO John Gastanes.
Also present were executives of Go Mamam, a Bruneian shopping app, looking to tap on this business partnership.