| Aziz Idris |
THE cooperation between Hong Kong and Asean, especially Brunei Darussalam, will continue to expand with the opening of Bank of China (Hong Kong)’s first branch in the Sultanate last December.
This milestone is expected to further strengthen the financial ties between Hong Kong and Brunei.
Hong Kong recently announced that the negotiation of Asean-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement has already been completed and the agreement is expected to be signed within this year.
These were among the key points highlighted by Yang Jian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, in her remarks during the reception held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
“We will be happy to see continuous upgrading of the cooperation between Hong Kong and Asean members countries, including Brunei.
“I am confident that with the firm support of the central government and with concerted efforts of the government and people of the Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong will have a brighter future ahead,” noted the ambassador.
Meanwhile, Do Pang Wai-yee, Director-General of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs, in her welcoming remarks touched on this year’s anniversary theme ‘Together, Progress, Opportunity’. Hong Kong people, with the strong support from the central Government of China, have made great strides under the principle ‘One Country, Two System’.
The cooperation between Hong Kong and Asean has been expanding over the years and currently Hong Kong is the regional bloc’s second largest trading partner as well as the fourth largest export market.
The director-general revealed that the bilateral merchandise trade value between Hong Kong and Asean also grew by a cumulative 72 per cent over the past 10 years, reaching US$107 billion in 2016, which accounts for 11 per cent of Hong Kong’s total trade.
In view of this, Hong Kong is upgrading its infrastructure by expanding the Hong Kong International Airport with a three-runway system, the completion of the 30km bridge between the island, Macau and the western part of Pearl River Delta as well as by building an express rail link that connects Hong Kong with mainland China’s high speed rail network.
“To show our commitment towards Asean, the Economic and Trade Office was set up in Jakarta last year. We will work closely with you all for the mutual benefit of Asean and Hong Kong,” she said.
The evening also saw a presentation by Associate Director General of Investment Promotion Francis Ho on business and investment opportunities in Hong Kong.
The reception was attended by over 100 guests comprising prominent businessman and invited guests. It was organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta Office at Radisson Hotel in the capital.
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