These major industrial clusters were spelt out by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), said Assistant Chief Executive Officer of BEDB Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin yesterday in his presentation on "The Role of BEDB in Facilitating the Country's Economic Development and Growth" during the World Town Planning Day 2008 at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

Building on the Sultanate's strength in biodiversity, he said the country is spearheading alternative energy, aquaculture and ecotourism.

Meanwhile, leveraging on its Islamic brand, Brunei is also striving to become a Halal processing and Islamic financial hub.

 In terms of long-term capabilities, the Sultanate is focusing on developing Pulau Muara Besar as a dynamic, logistics and manufacturing hub, improving its info-communications technology, creating an energy efficient integrated waste management system in Sungai Akar garbage disposal area which will also be rehabilitated, and the education sector.

Dr Abdul Manaf highlighted BEDB's initiative in developing Anggerek Desa in Berakas as a technology park, which is aimed at facilitating development of SMEs while serving as a training and skill development centre.

With the seven targets, Brunei aims to achieve the National Vision 2035, transforming it into a nation that is recognised for its highly educated, skilled and accomplished human resources as measured by the highest of standards; for its quality of life; and for its dynamic and sustainable economy.

Brunei is already extending the oil and gas value chain by promoting the petrochemicals industry, building integrated petrochemical' refinery and crude oil/chemical storage leveraging on its geographic location that is safe from natural disasters.

He also highlighted the Sungai Liang Industrial Park (Spark) as a world-class petrochemical hub and the initiative to build 2,000 houses in two years at the 150-hectare site in Kampong Pandan, Belait District.