The Brunei Freight Forwarders Association (BRUFA) participated in the 2024 China (Chongqing)-ASEAN Logistics Industry Cooperation Conference, a platform dedicated to strengthening logistics collaboration between ASEAN member states and China on Tuesday.
The conference, organised by the People’s Government of Ba’nan District, the Port and Logistics Office of Chongqing, and the Chongqing Highway Logistics Base Administrative Committee, united key stakeholders from logistics, trade and investment sectors under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework.
It saw participants engaged in discussions focused on advancing trade efficiency and fostering robust logistics networks across the region.
A milestone at the event was the signing of a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) between BRUFA and the Chongqing Highway Logistics Base Administrative Committee, establishing a foundation for enhanced bilateral cooperation aimed at streamlining trade exchanges, bolstering logistics partnerships, and encouraging sustainable investment.
The agreement includes joint initiatives such as the enhanced exchange of trade, logistics, and policy information, support for mutual participation in exhibitions, forums, and trade fairs, and referrals of strategic customer resources and quality projects to promote collaborative growth.
Reflecting on the MoC, Thomas Koh, representing the President of BRUFA, noted that the partnership represents a key advancement for Brunei’s logistics sector by establishing it as an important route within the RCEP region.
He said by connecting with Chongqing’s established logistics network, they foresee substantial gains in trade connectivity, providing a vital link for logistics to and from Brunei, benefiting ASEAN and Chinese enterprises alike.
He added that the sea connectivity from Guangxi Port, linked to Brunei’s Muara Port via the Beibu Gulf, further strengthens the route.
The MoC will capitalise on the New Western Land-Sea Corridor to facilitate efficient cargo flow between Chongqing and Brunei, extending connectivity to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and supporting Brunei Vision 2035. – Fadley Faisal
