BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 as a cooperation initiative by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, all of which are member-countries of the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The objective behind the creation of BIMP-EAGA is to accelerate economic development in the four countries' “focus areas” which, although geographically distant from their national capitals, are in strategic proximity to each other, in one of the world’s most resource-rich regions. The BIMP-EAGA initiative is market-driven, and operates through a decentralized organization structure involving the four governments and the private sector.

Through this cooperation a Friendship Games has been established by the BIMP-EAGA Sports Council where each member will take turns in hosting the sporting events.

In 2008, Brunei Darussalam will become the host for the 6th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games to be held from the 28th till the 30th of November, 2008. with the theme “Cooperation Through Sports”. Considering this is a “Friendship Games”. The focus of these games are more towards regional solidarity and cooperation, and through these games, cooperation in other aspects such as trade, tourism and investment can be better achieved and will help in facilitating the free movement of people, goods and services, making the best use of common infrastructure and natural resources as well as taking the fullest advantage of economic complementation.

Brunei Darussalam welcomes all participants and delegates to our nation and hope that your stay here will be a memorable one and the games will help foster friendships across the region.