Brunei Darussalam must transition from being a consumer to an active player in the logistics sector, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications at the inaugural BIACC Trade and Logistics Expo 2026.
In his speech, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha underscored that it is no longer sufficient for the nation to simply be the destination on a map; it must instead become the architect of the journey.
He described logistics as the invisible thread that weaves the world’s resources into the fabric of our daily life — a system that works quietly but powerfully to support livelihoods and economic activity.
“Every consumer product, from clothing and groceries to stationery and devices, had travelled thousands of miles through a monumental web of ships, planes and trucks, requiring documentation and clearances akin to a traveller’s passport,” he said.
The minister urged stakeholders to seize the moment to transform our geography into an asset, build capable infrastructure, increase our transport connectivity, turn every transit point and warehouse into a catalyst for local jobs and national economic vitality.
While Brunei has long been a beneficiary of the global supply chain, its future should lie in becoming a pivotal hub within it, forging new paths for economic resilience, high-value employment and sustainable growth.
He further said that logistics development has been placed as a strategic national priority under both the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint and the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Strategic Plan, MTIC 2030.
The minister outlined a clear and ambitious vision to foster an integrated, modern and efficient logistics ecosystem connecting air, sea and land transport into one strong national network.
At the heart of air cargo growth stands the Brunei International Air Cargo Centre (BIACC), he added, as a key pillar of the national logistics strategy and a gateway linking Brunei to regional and international markets.
“Its role in expanding air cargo capacity, improving operational efficiency, strengthening global connectivity and supporting high-value trade flows is vital,” said YB Pengiran Dato Shamhary.
Futhermore, the minister noted two significant announcements. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam granted consent last year for BIACC to be awarded a long-term lease, enabling the redevelopment and modernisation of the Air Cargo Terminal Building (ACTB) at Brunei International Airport (BIA).
When complete, the project will more than double the terminal’s cargo handling capacity and introduce state-of-the-art cold storage and high-value cargo handling capabilities. This development is a major step towards the national target of reaching 38,000 tonnes in air cargo movement by 2030.
In a second landmark decision, His Majesty consented to the establishment of a Civil Aviation Steering Committee (Aviation Co.) to oversee the progression of the civil aviation sector, including the efficiency and competitiveness of Brunei International Airport. Co-chaired by the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications himself, the committee further demonstrates His Majesty’s Government’s resolve towards development of the sector.
Drawing a distinction between infrastructure and enterprise, the minister observed that while infrastructure and technology represent the hardware of the logistics sector, the business community is its software.
Without the operating system of private-sector partnerships and industry-led trade flows, investment remains underutilised. “Success is found at the intersection of physical capacity and commercial collaboration,” he said.
It is precisely for this reason that platforms such as the BIACC Trade and Logistics Expo are so important. The minister said they bring the entire ecosystem together to share ideas, showcase innovation, build partnerships and collectively strengthen Brunei Darussalam’s logistics competitiveness.
He encouraged all participants to use the Expo not merely to present capabilities and services, but to engage meaningfully, explore new collaborations and contribute towards building a stronger air cargo and trade ecosystem for the nation.
The minister affirmed that by strengthening logistics capabilities today, the sultanate is securing its position in tomorrow’s regional and global economy for the benefit of future generations.
He concluded by congratulating BIACC on organising the Expo and thanking exhibitors, partners and participants for their commitment to advancing the nation’s trade and logistics sector.
The two-day event gathereed stakeholders from across the trade and logistics ecosystem, including government agencies, logistics operators, airlines, financial institutions, SMEs and supporting service providers.
It also featureed a series of curated dialogues and thematic forums addressing key areas such as logistics connectivity, e-commerce and digital trade, future of logistics talent, sustainability and green logistics, among others.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
