BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – President Duterte will discuss with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah the ways in which their respective countries can broaden trade cooperation as members of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Duterte arrives today in Bandar Seri Begawan for a three-day state visit.
EAGA has a market base of more than 200 million consumers spread across East Malaysia, East Indonesia, Mindanao and Brunei Darussalam.
Bolkiah is among the supporters of the creation of the BIMP-EAGA as Brunei once served as the center of the private sector-led EAGA business council.
Duterte will also meet the Filipino community here at the Indoor Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex. At least 23,000 Filipinos are living and working in Brunei Darussalam.
BIMP-EAGA was formally created in 1994 during launching ceremonies held in Davao City.