James Kon
Ambassador-designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo, at the gathering with media and think tanks on Wednesday, shared that bilateral trade volume achieved a year-on-year growth of 7.5 per cent to USD3.08 billion in 2022, an increase of over 200 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations, hitting a new height in history.
On the bilateral relationship between the two countries, Xiao Jianguo said, “Hengyi Industries has made important contributions to the Sultanate by promoting the upgrading of industry, increasing employment and diversifying economic development.
“The projects under the Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor, such as Muara Port Company and Hiseaton Fisheries, are developing vigorously. It is worth mentioning that the cooperation between Brunei and China promotes bilateral trade growth and the growth between the Sultanate and other countries.”
Since arriving at Brunei, he said, “I have visited Chinese enterprises in the country such as Hengyi Industries and Muara Port Company, and learnt about their contributions to the diversification of Brunei’s economy and bilateral economic cooperation. I am proud of the achievements.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. China will take this opportunity to join hands with the Sultanate, to write a new chapter of high-quality, sustainable and beneficial Belt and Road Cooperation, and usher in a new era of mutual benefit and common development.”
Aside from the strong bilateral cooperation, the ambassador-designate also spoke on the strong political trusts between the Sultanate and China. “High-level exchanges are playing crucial roles in enhancing strategic mutual trust and promoting bilateral relations. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and President Xi Jinping with special chemistry between them, have established close working relationship and close personal friendship,” he said.
This year, he revealed that the two countries mark the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of the establishment of Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and Brunei. “This year marks the 10th anniversary of building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future proposed by President Xi Jinping, and also the 20th anniversary of China’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
“China is willing to work with Brunei and other ASEAN member states, to continuously promote the construction of peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous home, deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, expand friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields, create new highlights in connectivity, economy and trade, supply chain, digital technology, green and low carbonisation and blue economy in the region, with the aim to build a closer China-ASEAN Community with a Shared Future,” he added.
Topics including the Spirit of the Two sessions and China Economic outlook, Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative and Taiwan were also presented. Representatives of local media and guests were present.
