Brunei-China ties ‘never been better’ December 28, 2021 James Kon Senior officials and diplomats from China and Brunei Darussalam lauded improvements in bilateral ties in the virtual closing ceremony of the Brune-China Year of Tourism 2020 yesterday. In his remarks, China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping said “Our relations have never been better, and set a model of treating each other as equals, mutual benefits, and common development between small and large countries. “China is ready to work with Brunei to implement the instructions of the two leaders by bringing about greater cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation that are more extensive, smooth and substantial.” He said the exchanges would further grow bilateral relations and contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of an Asian community with a shared future. Ambassador of China to Brunei Darussalam Yu Hong said. “Thanks to the joint efforts of China and Brunei, we have made various noteworthy achievements in bilateral relations. Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to China Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Colonel (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Abdu’r Rahmani bin Dato Paduka Haji Basir and Ambassador of China to Brunei Darussalam Yu Hong with other participants at the closing ceremony for Brunei-China Year of Tourism 2020. PHOTO: JAMES KON “In the face of the pandemic, we have supported each other in solidarity. “This year, the Chinese government has donated two batches of COVID-19 vaccines to Brunei. Chinese company BGI responded swiftly to the request of the Bruneian Government in setting up the first mobile inflatable Huo Yan lab in the Southeast Asia and offered technical assistance, greatly contributing to Brunei’s efforts in fighting the pandemic.” She said from January to October this year, bilateral trade reached a record high of USD2.37 billion. “China is Brunei’s third largest trading partner and the biggest source of foreign direct investment. “This year, both sides successively completed the domestic ratification procedures for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, making a positive contribution to promoting its timely entry into force and the establishment of the world’s largest free trade area.“ She said China is ready to work with Brunei in promoting the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthening the strategic synergy between China’s Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035 and Brunei Vision 2035 and make new contributions to the development of bilateral relations and the regional peace, stability and prosperity. Meanwhile, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to China Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Colonel (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Abdu’r Rahmani bin Dato Paduka Haji Basir said “The Brunei-China Year of Tourism 2020 provides an added value to our bilateral cooperation and friendship where importance of cooperation in tourism is given importance and continued to be enhanced. “This year, under Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chairmanship, our leaders had welcomed the progress made on the implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area. “Brunei Darussalam looks forward to working together with China on the joint feasibility study to develop a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial ASEAN-China Free Trade Area to ensure that it remains relevant to businesses, responsive to contemporary global challenges. “Brunei Darussalam has ratified the RCEP Agreement in October 2021 and we stand ready to broaden our economic ties with China through this platform, in areas including connectivity, digital economy, and industrial and supply chains. “All these will have positive spillover effects in support of tourism and related industries.” The Brunei-China Year of Tourism 2020 sought to provide a unique platform to increase tourism cooperation through people-to-people exchange, enhance bilateral cooperation, capacity building and furthering collaboration and partnership. This joint initiative also aimed at encouraging more Bruneian and Chinese citizens to visit, discover, and appreciate each other’s countries, cultures and traditions. The event saw a cultural performances showcase by both countries. Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong attended. Also in attendance was Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Hajah Dahliana binti Haji Aliakbar as well as members of the Brunei Tourism Board, government agencies, higher educational institutions, associations and media organisations.
