Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam is aiming for widespread recognition of its people, a top-rated quality of life and a dynamic and sustainable economy with an income per capita that ranks among the world`s top 10 by the year 2035.
This is envisioned in the Wawasan Brunei 2035 that was unveiled yesterday with the publication of a document on the country`s long-term development plan.
After extensive consultation with a wide cross-section of the country`s society and communities, the Council for the Long-Term Development Plan in the Prime Minister`s Office has recognised the needs of the future generation and identified the numerous demanding challenges that will be faced in their efforts to fulfil the people`s hopes for the future development of the country.
Although Brunei enjoys one of the highest standards of living in Asia, a number of challenges must be overcome to ensure the continuation of this accustomed standard of living.
The country`s economic growth is one challenge which, on the whole, has not kept pace with the population growth, in spite of the oil and gas resources which contribute much to the nation`s prosperity. Also, the oil and gas sector makes up approximately half of the economy and 90 per cent of export earnings, but employs less than three per cent of the work force.
The public sector, the main employer of a majority of citizens and residents, is unable to adequately absorb the increasing number of young people who wish to enter the work force each year. The gap between expectations and capabilities of the nation`s youth and employment opportunities currently being created are widening. Local business community also continues to be weak and is unable to create employment opportunities now required.
These social and economic facts must be taken into account in order for these challenges to be met by the year 2035.
In accordance with this, the council has formulated an integrated and well-coordinated national strategy that needs to be developed and implemented:
An education strategy which will prepare tile nation`s youth for employment and achievement will be needed to meet the requirements of the changing economy.
An economic strategy will be implemented to create new employment for the people and expand business opportunities through the promotion of investment, foreign and domestic, both in downstream industries as well as in economic clusters beyond the oil and gas industry.
A security strategy is another key element needed that will safeguard our political stability and that links our defence and diplomatic -capabilities and our capacity to respond to threats from disease and natural catastrophe.
An institutional development strategy will enhance good governance in both the public and private sectors, high quality public services, modern and pragmatic legal and regulatory frameworks and efficient government procedures that entail a minimum of bureaucratic "red tape".
A local business development strategy that will be needed to enhance opportunities for local SMEs and an infrastructure development strategy that will ensure continued investment by government and through public-private sector partnerships.
A social security strategy will ensure that all citizens are properly cared for as the nation prospers and an environmental strategy will ensure the proper conservation of our natural environment and cultural habitat. These strategies will need to be developed and implemented by both government and private bodies to reach the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035. In implementing these goals, the nation will uphold the values upon which have been the foundations of its political stability, social harmony and prosperity.
Source: www.brudirect.com (23 Januari 2008)
