CPI Average rises due to increase in F&B Prices:
The Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) stated that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the first nine months of 2011 increased by 2 per cent on average compared to the same period in 2010 which was due to higher prices of F&B. CPI for September 2011 increased by 2.7 per cent compared to September 2010. Month-on-month changes showed that the CPI for September 2011 increased by 0.5 per cent over August 2011. Clothing and footwear prices recorded the highest price increase (7.3 per cent) in September 2011 as compared to August 2010.
108,000 jobs to achieve 2035 Vision:
Part of the ongoing study being carried out by the SGS Economics & Planning consultants has indicated that Brunei needs to create 108,000 new jobs based on demographic projection and other projectiles which is essential to achieve full employment target by 2035. The consultants have offered solutions to achieve this ambitious target which sees the need to create several economic or industrial clusters. The study has suggested that to create that many jobs, the country needs to create 515,000 sq. metre of commercial floor space and 1,300 hectares of industrial site area.
The SGS Director Roger Gibbons said that the natural area of potential would be the upstream and downstream petrochemical industries and also stressed the importance of other areas to complement the diversification effort and create more sustainable economic activities.
BEDB CEO Vincent Cheong said that ICT is certainly a focus of significance to BEDB activities in the establishment of iCentre, Knowledge Hub among others and important sub-cluster of ICT cluster is multimedia as the creative industries lies in the digital multimedia activities. He also said that upstream petrochemical industries remain the main focus for BEDB in establishing supportive clusters to the oil and gas industries and healthcare.
Dr. Diana Cheong, Senior CSOS Researcher explained that the consultation topics for the forum included SGS’s preliminary priority industry clusters and employment futures and associated commercial and industrial land requirements. The forum also included an interactive discussion on matters pertaining to FDI attraction, SGS’s findings on Brunei’s potential market and the role of sufficient and suitable land to attract FDI to Brunei.
[Comment: The number of new jobs required is nearly 25% of the present Brunei population.]
BEDB Eyes Development of Silica Sand Industry:
The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) is looking at the potential of developing a silica sand industry as the Sultanate has an estimated reserve of 16.25 million metric tonnes of the material commonly used to make glass. During a presentation at a forum on Land Optimization Strategy for Industrial and Commercial Growth hosted by the Centre for Strategic Policy Studies (CSPS), Illie Rahman from the Board’s FDI Division said that the identified area of silica reserves is situated in a fragmented eight-kilometer stretch in Tutong. She further informed that BEDB is, at present, tendering for consultancy services to develop silica-based industries in Brunei. The presentation also showed a number of new opportunities relating to Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) Project which include oil and gas based petrochemicals; ship maintenance and repair, oil and chemical storage; oil field equipment manufacturing and maintenance; fabrication yard; and industrial activities to name a few. PMB is expecting development from Zheijang Hengyi for the construction of a $ 2.5 billion refinery and aromatics complex. The site has a 135,000 barrel per day production capacity on the 260 hectare site.
Vision 2035 and HoB can Co-exist says CSPS:
While commissioning SGS Economics & Planning, Australia to conduct the Land Optimization Strategy for Industrial and Commercial Growth, the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) said that Brunei does not need much industrial floor space to achieve its economic growth aim for 2035 as it can, instead, be creative when looking at existing sites such as downtown Bandar, and areas surrounding the airport and there is no need to cut into land allocated for the Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiative to reach its targets set by the Wawasan (Vision) 2035. The study by SGS Economics has already indentified what Brunei industrial land requirements are, and where the potential sites can be located. It has targeted downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, where existing buildings or areas are not fully utilized. The airport environs also holds a lot of potential, in particular for creative existing infrastructure and services, like hotels, shopping malls, the iCentre, the national stadium and so on.
Dato Paduka Dr. Hj Ismail Hj Duraman, Executive Director of the Centre said that Brunei’s land utilization and optimization will be linked to the Wawasan 2035. As for matters relating to foreign direct investment (FDI), Dato Dr. Hj Ismail said that the BEDB will discuss the land identified for the potential attraction of FDI’s to Brunei. The Ministry of Finance will discuss the issue related to funding to ensure that investments are secure and so on.
Oil Players told to toe the line to earn license to operate: In his speech at the Brunei Shell Vendor Forum, Bruneian Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office urged oil and gas contractors to strictly observe the government’s policies on local business development, business integrity and safety as they are essentially ingredients for license to operate. Energy Minister warned as he scored Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd (BSP) amid allegations of irregularities in the tender process and for not fully contributing to local business development despite its long presence in the Sultanate and that oil and gas players must toe the line if they want to secure a license to operate from the government.
Brunei Makes Good Progress in Enacting Consumer Protection Act:
Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Muhammad Lutfi bin Adbdullah, in his welcoming remarks at the 4th Asean Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP) Meeting held on 4 October said that Brunei Darussalam is making good progress in the enactment and implementation of a Consumer Protection Act by 2015. He also urged closer cooperation with Asean. Some member countries have developed faster than others, hence there is need to create a practical coordination between the varying rules and regulations of member countries and consequently working in close support to dispel any disparity in the development of the act. Such unity is important for the successful economic integration of the region. He advocated the need to build institutional and human capabilities that will address these issues to create a more common and united provision on the laws and regulations on consumer protection.
Brunei ‘Very High’ in Human Development Rankings:
In its 42nd edition of Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has described Brunei as having a “very high” Human Development Index (HDI) this year as the Sultanate was placed among seven other high ranking countries in Asia including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. Brunei’s infant mortality rate dropped to 5 per 1000 live births in 2009 from 9 per 1000 births in 1990. The country’s under-five mortality rate meanwhile dropped from 11 per 1000 births in 1990 to 7 per 1000 births in 2009. The reduction in infant and child mortlaity rates is largely due to the country’s healthcare system, which places high priority on healthcare treatments for new mothers and children.
The country’s efforts in education have been recognized by the ADB, whose report under “Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education” states that the Abode of Peace is an “Early Achiever: when placed against the Millennium Development Goals” that aim to realize a number of ambitions by the year 2015. The report also states that Brunei’s “percentage of children starting Grade One and reaching the last grade of primary, 2008 or nearest year” surpasses the 95 per cent mark at 96.2 per cent and has placed the country among the top 10 nations under this category out of 30 other countries. Brunei’s GNI as per the Altas Method, meanwhile, indicates that the country’s GNI has seen a steady growth from US $ 12,540 in 1990 to US$ 31,180 in 2010.
Brunei’s Minister of Health Chairs 62nd WHO Regional Committee Meeting for Western Pacific:
The 62nd WHO Regional Committee Meeting for the Western Pacific held in World Health Organization’s Office in Manila, concluded on 14 October with 37 member states approving a total of five resolutions that cover the areas of food safety, prevention and control of non-infectious disease, traditional medicines, and antimicrobial resistance prevention. The meeting was chaired by Brunei’s Minister of Health agreed to implement various health strategies and action plans that will support the goal of improving the health status and well-being of the people of the Western Pacific Region.
Asian Economic Powers look to Strengthen Cooperation:
Khaled al_Jarallah, Under Secretary in Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said that Foreign Ministers of 31-membger Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) set up in 2002 attended two day meeting focused on ways to activate the forum. HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade represented Brunei Darussalam.
$1 billion Eyed to Upgrade Power Infra:Hj Jamian Hj Julaihi,
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Department of Energy said that the Government of planning to invest about $ 1 billion within five to ten years to improve current power generation and electricity supply infrastructure. All new power generation will have to exceed the level of 45 per cent efficiency as compared to about 25 per cent at present. In 2010 alone, the cost of energy consumption throughout Brunei (including industry and transportation sectors) had reached almost $2 billion which is expected to increase to $ 5 billion per year by 2035 if no positive steps are taken.
BEDB Organizes 2nd SME Dialogue and Workshop 2011:
Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) organized a workshop for the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) on 19 October which was attended by some 60 local SMEs from various sectors including oil and gas, logistics, processed food manufacturing, industrial hardware material and ICT. The one day-long workshop was coordinated by two successful entrepreneurs from Malaysia.
Call for ICT to Broaden Economic Scope:
Bruneian Minister of Communications, in his keynote address at the THINK BIG Innovate Forum, touched on how ICT is aligned with Vision 2035. He said that despite growth of ICT and broadband users in the Sultanate, the need for local content development has been revealed as such human capacity building is one of the challenges faced. The Minister also spoke on the Ministry of Communications’ vision “Towards a sophisticated society and excellence in communications for enhancing national competitiveness”.
Future Fund to Boost ICT Start-ups:
The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI), Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and DST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for “The Future Fund” on 17 October. This is a follow up to an MoU signed between DST and iCentre where previously iCentre agreed to partner the Future Fund in different areas such as application of the fund, evaluation and incubation. The MoU will define the framework within which each company will review promising Bruneian ICT companies and nurture Bruneian enterprises. Three to four companies will be funded annually under this initiative..
Pehin Lim Receives ABAC Report:
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awang Lim Jock Seng received the 2011 APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Report on 18 October in the presence of two members of the ABAC Brunei –Managing Director of Bank of Islam of Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Mr. Javed Ahmad and Chief Executive Officer of BAG Networks, Mdm Haslina Taib. Building on the progress made in the previous year, ABAC has decided to adopt the theme “21 Economies for 21st Century Prosperity” and the sub-theme “Employing people and ideas for sustained growth in Asia-Pacific” for 2011. ABAC sees 21st Century prosperity built on five components of the APEC Growth Strategy developed in 2010, namely, balanced, inclusive, sustainable, secure and innovative.
The ABAC Report outlines business views about priority regional issues and contains recommendations to improve the business and investment environment in the APEC region. The First ABAC Meeting was held in February in Guangzhou (China) followed by Seoul (Korea) in April for the second meeting and Lima (Peru) last August for the third meeting. The last meeting for 2011 will be held from November 8-10, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA).
ABAC was established in 1995 as APEC leaders recognized the integral role of business and the value of representative business advice on key issues. This private sector body presents recommendations to APEC leaders in an annual dialogue and advises APEC officials on business sector priorities and concerns.
Doing Business Report: Brunei Moves up 29 Spots:
According to a report published by the World Bank and IFC measuring the ease of doing business in 183 countries, Doing Business in Brunei Darussalam got a little easier this year. The “Doing Business 2012: Doing Business in a More Transparent World” report showed that Brunei moved up by 29 spots form 83rd in 2011 to 112th in 2012 overall, while the Sultanate’s ranking rose to 4th in 2012 from 5th in 2011 among Asean nations behind Singapore, which has held the top ranking for the fifth consecutive year, Thailand (17th) and Malaysia (18th).
This year’s IFC and World Bank report specifically highlighted Brunei’s significant improvements in two indicators, namely Registering Property, which improved by 76 ranks to 107th, and Trading Across Border at 35th improving by 17 ranks compared to the previous report. Brunei showed modest improvements in two indicators, namely, Enforcing Contract, which improved eight ranks to 151st and Paying Taxes that improved by two ranks to occupy the 20th rank worldwide. The nation also ranks well in Getting Electricity (28th), a newly introduced indicator for the 2012 report but five indicators slid from 2011 rankings, namely, Starting a Business from 133rd to 136th, Dealing with Construction Permit dropping nine ranks from 74th to 83rd, Protecting Investors and Resolving Insolvency (Closing a Business) are both down by two ranks to 122nd and to 44th respectively.
Postal Department Should Become Corporate Entity:
Bruneian Minister of Industry and Primary Resources held bilateral meetings with is counterparts in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia on the sidelines of the 33rd Meeting of Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) which was held on October 6, 2011 in Jakarta. During the meeting both parties discussed bilateral cooperation and collaboration in the area of integrated pest management and peat soil management for rice cultivation and also other activities as stipulated in the MoU on Agriculture Cooperation, which was signed by both ministers on Feb 24,2011 in Brunei. The Ministers also agreed to establishment of a technical joint committee to discuss the implementation of programmes and activities under the said MoU. In his meeting with Minister of Forestry of Indonesia, both ministers discussed bilateral issues pertaining to forestry cooperation.
More than 56,000 visit TechXpo 2011:
A four-day exhibition TechXpo’2011 was held at International Convention Centre from October 27-30, 2011. During the course of the event, More than 56,000 people visited the exhibition. Apart from ICT products and services showcased the highlight of the TechExpo was the e3ROBOTS competitions organized by the Step Centre of the Ministry of Education in collaboration of both local and overseas partners. The competition attracted thousands of students ranging from primary to technical levels and it was designed to explore, educate and entertain not only the students but the general public as well. Seminars and mini workshop on robotics were conducted throughout the course of the competition. The winners of the e3 ROBOTs competition were awarded with trophies and certificates presented by the Event Organizer Pg. Ghani Pg Hj Metusin, who is also the Chairman of InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB).
Brunei Eyes nearly $ 4.5 Billion in Gross Output by 2023:
Senior Special Duties Officer in the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, while delivering his presentation at a forum on the study of Land Optimization Strategy for Industrial and Commercial Growth in Brunei Darussalam organized by the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) with SGS Economic and Planning Australia, said that Brunei is targeting to achieve a gross output of $ 4,496 billion by 2023 and from the envisioned figure, the biggest contribution is expected to come form the agriculture sector with a forecast of $ 2.7 billion. He also showed last year’s gross output figures: In 2010, Brunei secured $ 1,515 billion, whereby the agriculture sector contributed $ 228 million, industrial sector contributed $980 million, and tourism reached $ 188 million while fisheries brought in $ 87 million and forestry standing at $ 31 million.
Touching on other projects and land use under the MIPR, he said that there are Shrimp culture and land-based aquaculture sites in Telisai, Tutong. Under the forestry sites, the Heart of Borneo takes up 70 per cent of forest coverage in Brunei to be protected under the conservation initiative. This also includes the Ulu Ulu Forest as well as forest recreational park. There are nine industrial sites under BINA – Beribi, Lambakl Kanan, Salar, Serasa, Kuala Lurah, Serambangun, Sungai Bera, Pekan Belait and Batu Apoi and these occupy 422 hectares of land. Agrotech Park is the biggest project located at Tungku, Gadong and covers an area of 500 hectares, where 50 hectares are to be developed in Phase I. The objectives of the Agro Tech Park are to develop an internationally renowned agro-technology park as part of the economic diversification strategy; accommodate research and innovative technology; and to develop high technology agriculture, fisheries, forestry and other related activities to support the Brunei Halal Brand.
Renewed ICT Collaboration between Brunei and Singapore:
The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), the government IT agencies of both countries, have renewed their collaboration and technical cooperation on telecommunication regulatory areas. The two organizations signed a MoU and Project Addendum (PA) to further leverage on their existing cooperation framework and cover new areas on corporate services, domain name registration and an industrial internship programme for fresh graduates and students undertaking ICT-related diploma courses.
US Hails ‘Extraordinary’ Brunei Relations:
The US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Kurt M Campbell expressed his satisfaction with the long-standing bilateral relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Unites States and described the relationship as “extraordinary”. Mr. Campbell with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II prior to the opening of the new US Embassy building at Jalan Kebangsaan on 10 October. They also talked about Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement which is currently being negotiated between the United States and eight other partners namely, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. They also discussed major initiative that will be unveiled in the US-Asean Summit next month at Bali whereby Brunei Darussalam is supporting their efforts to increase the number of Americans teaching English across Southeast Asia. With reference to other areas, he said that they were looking at how to expand their security and defense cooperation as well as a number of areas in educational and cultural exchanges. Speaking about the forthcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC Summit 2011 which His Majesty the Sultan is expected to attend, Mr. Campbell said that they are seeking a series of concrete steps in the ‘ease of doing business in Asia – some specific steps that allow the countries of Asia to conduct commerce, to exchange information in a more efficient manner.
Brunei Goes Dutch in Energy Training:
SEAMEO VOCTECH and Ansaldo Thomassen BV of the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation to provide internationally-recognized training to Bruneians in the maintenance and operation of power plants, especially gas turbine generators in a ceremony held on 19 October. The MoU was part of the eight strategies under the Brunei National Vision 2035 to enhance and educate further the workforce in order for the country to become an international hub of information and knowledge.
Following the signing of the MoU, Johannes WG Jansing, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands highlighted the potential areas of cooperation and said that Netherlands is looking to boost bilateral ties with Brunei Darussalam, particularly cooperation in the fields of defence, agriculture as well as human resource and education.
Malaysian Authorities Give Green Light to New I-CLID System:
The i-CLID system, which was initiated by the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) in Brunei, was given a thumbs-up and a system go-ahead by Malaysian authorities during the BIMP-EAGA project deliberation at the 5th BIMP-EAGA Heads of Customs Meeting, on the side event of the BIMP-EAGA 20th Senior Officials Meeting and 16th Ministerial Meeting held at Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao (Philippines). The signing of the MoU marked an important milestone for the ICT Working Group, especially in nurturing collaborations with the private sector, as its participation is the way forward to a speedy ICT development. Mr. Thomas Koh, Head BEBC TILCTD Cluster and President of Brunei Freight Forwarders Association said that BIMP-EAGA’s goals and strategies on transport and logistics would help stimulate economic development, narrow the development gap, and improve intra and extra-EAGA connectivity as well as improve the quality of transport and logistics systems and this will result in significant cost reductions and efficiency in doing business.
Brunei eyes more Chinese Investment:
Subsequently after the bilateral talk with Governor of Guangxi Ma Biao, Brunei Minister of Industry and Primary Resources said that the existing cooperation between Brunei and China, especially with the Southern Chinese region of Guangxi, has developed well since the last few years. He welcomed investors not only from Guangxi but also from other parts of China, particularly in agriculture and aquaculture.
China to Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Brunei:
During the course of luncheon dialogue session with Brunei-China Friendship Association, Mr. Huang Mengfu, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and also President of All China Federation of Industry and Commerce said that bilateral ties between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China continued to rise this year which marks the 20th anniversary celebration of establishing diplomatic ties between both nations. In 2010, the trade volume between Brunei Darussalam and China had reached the target of US$ 1 billion set up by the two leaders. He hoped that under the framework of China-Asean Free Trade Area as well as joint efforts of various commerce and business, the Brunei-China Friendship Association (BCFA) would further strengthen the bilateral relationship of both countries. President of the Brunei-China Friendship Association – Dr. Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib – said that the executive council of BCFA is looking forward to attending the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between both countries on October 16-19 in China after which they will proceed to CAEXPO in Nanning China.
Chinese delegation on working visit to Brunei:
A 17-member strong delegation led by Jia Zhibang, Minister of State Forestry Administration, People’s Republic of China visited Brunei from 23 to 26 October met the Bruneian Minister of Industry and Primary Resource. Discussions emphasized on sustainable forest management in addressing climate change and natural disaster being the main areas for potential collaboration between the two countries. Other areas for potential mentioned were management of forest plantations, transfer of wood processing technology, development of a non-wood industry with reference to studies on medicinal and herbal plants, cultivation of mushrooms, studies on honey production from wild flowers, establishment of collectively-owned forest/state owned forest, exchange of information on the development and promotion of eco-tourism, building capacity and transfer of technology in other areas.
Brunei-Russia to solidify energy cooperation soon:
Brunei and Russia’s energy sectors have identified potential investment in oil and gas, renewable energy and Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC), with the ministers of Energy of both countries agreeing to strengthen some of these areas of collaboration by the end of the year. Agreement was also reached in the oil and gas sector, where companies from both countries will have a joint venture partnership and undertake exploration and production activities, including in other blocks on offer in a third country. Regarding EEC, collaboration will commence once the Brunei Energy Research Institute has been formed. Russian Energy Minister invited Brunei Energy Minister Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin to visit Tatneft, a Russian integrated oil and gas company in Tartastan (Kasan) which was meant to understand and learn how they are undertaking enhanced oil recovery to increase their production fields which are already about 60 years old.
Taiwan Keen to Forge Strong Trade Links with Brunei: Terry GC Ting,
Representative from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said that Taipei is poised to make a heavy investment into Brunei Darussalam, with 2012 designated as “the year of partnership” and increased business connectivity between the two countries. Having already invested US $ 100 billion in the ASEAN region, they now want to include the Sultanate as an important investment destination and one are, in particular, could be the potential in “fruits” which could be a telling factor in forging business links.
IMF Cuts Brunei Growth View:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut growth forecasts for the Brunei economy this and next year citing rising risks from the euro zone debt crisis and a slowdown in the US. The Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook released by IMF has mentioned that Brunei’s GDP will grow a mere 2.8 per cent this year, down from its earliest forecast of 3.1 per cent in April. For 2012, IMF said that GDP will grow just 2.2 per cent against an earlier forecast of 2.7 per cent due to heightened economic risks amid persistent overheating pressures confronting Asian policymakers with a “delicate balancing act”. They need to guard against risks to growth but also limit the adverse impact of prolonged easy financial conditions on inflation.
Anoop Singh, Director of the Fund’s Asia and Pacific Department, warned China faced the risk of an overheating property market if Beijing failed to extend more savings options to households. Nevertheless, the scale of the shock were much less than in 2008 in percentage terms across Asian markets and that fund flows would eventually return. It also noted that inflationary pressures were “elevated” in a number of Asian economies due to accommodative monetary policies, but should ease off as food and energy prices “gradually moderate”. While growth in Asia has eased since the second quarter of 2011, the IMF said domestic demand is still resilient and should continue to sustain activity across the region.
Connectivity Key to ASEAN’s Food Basket Vision:
After the conclusion of the 16th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting held in Cagayan de Oro City (Philippines) Bruneian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dwa Dato Seri Setia Awang Lim Jock Seng commended the achievements of BIMP-EAGA so far but said that there is still more work to be done and visions to be realized. He told that central focus currently lies in enhancing connectivity because connectivity is the key to enhancing trade facilitation, a single tourism destination and free flow of goods and service. He cited the Sg. Pandaruan Bridge which is undertaken by Brunei and Malaysia and expected to be ready by 2013 as one of the projects to enhance connectivity and commended the tireless efforts of BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) and Asian Development Bank as the BIMP-EAGA Development Partner. The 16th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting noted the encouraging gains achieved in realizing the strategic thrusts of establishing BIMP-EAGA as a regional food basket and eco-tourism destination and in enhancing connectivity. Senior Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Communications, Department of Civil Aviation and Department of Information at the Prime Minister’s office accompanied the Minister during the course of the proceedings of the Meeting. |
