With the synchronisation of the Belt and Road Initiative with Brunei Vision 2035, bilateral trade between the Sultanate and China has reached USD1.53 billion in the first half of the year, marking a 27.6-per-cent year-on-year increase, said Ambassador of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo.
He said this in his welcoming remarks at a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at The Rizqun International Hotel last night.
The Chinese ambassador also highlighted several projects and initiatives taking place in the country.
“The second phase of the Hengyi petrochemical project is steadily advancing, the Muara Port Container Terminal expansion project was successfully launched, the trial planting of hybrid rice yielded bountiful results, the protocol on Brunei’s aquatic products to China was signed and is now well implemented with over 300 tonnes of lobster and tuna already exported to China.”
He added, “The high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between our two countries brings more tangible benefits to our nations and the well-being of the people.”
Xiao Jianguo also touched on the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Guangxi, China.
“ASEAN member nations including Brunei participate in the annual event, which demonstrates high level of China-Brunei and China-ASEAN cooperation,” he said.
“China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for many years, and the bilateral relation has become the most successful and vibrant model of Asia-Pacific cooperation.”
The Chinese ambassador added, “China has always taken ASEAN as the priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, advancing a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, joining hands with regional countries to maintain peace, stability and security in this region while promoting mutual development and prosperity.”
The guest of honour was Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and his spouse Pengiran Datin Hajah Norzana binti Pengiran Haji Rosli.
The celebration also saw a cake-cutting ceremony and the presentation of a souvenir to the guest of honour and the spouse.
The reception was also enlivened with several wushu and traditional performances. – James Kon
