| Azaraimy HH In Nanning |
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, has hailed China for its strong leadership and contribution to the global economy.
In a titah delivered yesterday during the opening ceremony of the 14th China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) and China-Asean Business and Investment Sum-mit (CABIS); and the Brunei Darussalam City of Charm Pavilion at the Nanning International Con-vention and Exhibition Centre (NICEC), People’s Republic of China, the monarch welcomed more cooperation between Ase-an and China in implementing measures that promote Asia as an engine of growth in the global economy.
In the titah, His Majesty applauded the 14th CAEXPO for establishing itself as a premier event that has showcased the resilient economic and trade ties between Asean and China.
The monarch particularly commended the work of the CAEXPO in promoting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as these businesses represent a significant source of employment in the Asean region.
As Asean celebrates the 50th anniversary of its establishment this year, His Majesty observed that throughout much of Asean’s existence, it has worked closely with China in promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia, as well as in working towards further economic development and integration.
Expressing appreciation to China for its consistent support of Asean’s economic endeavours, the monarch said the regional grouping is stepping up its efforts in securing the maximum benefits that can be obtained from an economically integrated region.
His Majesty underlined the importance of enhancing global connectivity and commended China on its Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Belt initiatives.
The monarch also encouraged Asean and China to explore closer collaboration in carrying out the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative.
His Majesty looked forward to the upgrading of the Asean-China Free Trade Area as a way to further strengthen the Asean-China partnership, and expressed hope that this will contribute to achieving the twin goals of two-way trade volume of US$1 trillion and investment of US$150 billion by 2020.
His Majesty welcomed the designation of the year 2018 as the Asean-China Year of Innovation, and encouraged business people and private sectors to be innovative in finding ways to work closer together. In concluding the titah, His Majesty expressed confidence that the Asean-China relationship will continue to be a win-win partnership for both sides.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Opening Ceremony
His Majesty was welcomed on arrival for the the opening ceremony of the 14th CAEXPO and CABIS by Zhang Xiaoqin, Vice-Governor of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Prior to the event, the monarch signed the Visitor’s Book.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Osmanthus Hall for the opening ceremony where Zhang Gaoli, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, delivered the keynote speech followed by the monarch’s titah.
The opening ceremony also featured video presentations on Asean-China relations.
His Majesty was then invited to the stage by Chen Wu, Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to inaugurate the 14th CAEXPO and CABIS together with Zhang Gaoli and other leaders, using a special mechanism.
City of Charm Pavilion
His Majesty then proceeded to the Zone B Hall of the NICEC for the opening ceremony of the Brunei Darussalam City of Charm Pavilion.
Prior to the event, the monarch was introduced to Mohd Farihin bin Haji Mohd Jaafar, the Architect of the Brunei Darussalam City of Charm Pavilion.
Shortly after, His Majesty welcomed Zhang Gaoli to the pavilion.
Both leaders then opened the Brunei Darussalam City of Charm Pavilion using a special mechanism. This was followed by a cultural performance.
His Majesty then invited Zhang Gaoli to tour the pavilion.
At the end of the visit, His Majesty was invited to join a group photograph session with the pavilion’s participants.
The Brunei Darussalam City of Charm Pavilion showcases the history, culture, tourism and economic development of the country and illustrates the strengthening friendship and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and China.
His Majesty yesterday also attended the Roundtable Dialogue with CEOs from Chinese companies during the 14th CABIS, at the Liyuan Grand Metropark Hotel, Nanning.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty was welcomed on arrival by Jiang Zengwei, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Chairman of the CABIS Organising Committee; Peng Qinghua, Party Secretary of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; and He Xiaoling, Secretary-General of the CABIS.
Prior to the start of the dialogue, His Majesty was invited to join a group photograph session.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Jiang Zengwei.
During the Roundtable Dialogue, His Majesty delivered a titah in which His Majesty welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s increasing engagement with Chinese businesses and companies, and expressed hope for more mutually beneficial partnerships to be forged.
His Majesty commended Brunei Darussalam’s special economic relationship with the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and welcomed the collaboration between both sides under the Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor (BGEC) that includes cooperation in areas such as ports, fisheries and clean energy technology.
His Majesty elaborated on Brunei Darussalam’s objective of establishing itself as a regional logistics hub, which has been boosted by the operationalisation of the newly developed Muara Port.
His Majesty welcomed efforts in improving connectivity between China and Southeast Asia, and was pleased that direct air links from Nanning and Brunei Darussalam had recently commenced.
His Majesty also underscored that tourism promotion efforts needed to be further strengthened to promote greater people-to-people exchanges.
His Majesty further stated that as Brunei Darussalam was focused on diversifying the country’s economy, there would be opportunities for China to benefit through more involvement in that process.
His Majesty elaborated that Brunei Darussalam’s Economic Diversification priority areas are in the Halal Industries; Innovative Technology and Creative Industries; Business Services; Tourism; and Downstream Oil and Gas.
His Majesty also highlighted that Brunei Darussalam had undertaken several reforms in the past few years to create a more business friendly environment.
After delivering the titah, His Majesty held a dialogue session with CEOs from Chinese companies.
The Roundtable Dialogue of the 14th China-Asean Business and Investment Summit carries the theme, ‘Deepening China-Brunei Economic and Trade Cooperation for Mutual Development.’
Also present during the Roundtable Dialogue of the 14th CABIS were high-level representatives from Bank of China (Hong Kong), Zhejiang Hengyi Group Co Ltd, Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group Co Ltd and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.
His Majesty yesterday afternoon left for Beijing, People’s Republic of China for a State Visit.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Prior to leaving the hotel in Nanning, a Doa Selamat was recited by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
Before boarding the royal aircraft, His Majesty was presented with a cultural performance by local students.
Present at Nanning Wuxu International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were Mo Changying, Vice Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People’s Political Consultative Conference; and Huang Jiang, Vice Mayor of Beihai.
Also present to bid farewell to His Majesty were Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport; and Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance.
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