| Aziz Idris |
CHINA is ready to be the “bridge” that links Bruneian businesses with Chinese investors so that they can work together in various fields and share valuable expertise for the benefit of both nations.
This was highlighted by Yang Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, during a visit to the Federation of Brunei Malay Entrepreneurs (PPPMB) office at Beribi Industrial Complex yesterday.
She said the Chinese Government is promoting the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative to develop a strategy and framework that focuses on connectivity and cooperation among countries primarily in Southeast Asia that include Brunei Darussalam.
The initiative underlines China’s commitment to take a bigger role in global affairs, she said, adding that China is aware that Brunei is focusing on diversification.
“The Chinese Government is encouraging enterprises or state-own companies to go global whereby neighbouring countries are their main focus.
“Geographically, it’s more convenient for Chinese companies to come to Southeast Asia and Brunei is no exception. China has a long relationship with Brunei and the two countries enjoy very good relations,” she said.
Yang Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, and Dr Haji Abdul Latif bin Haji Chuchu, Presi-dent of the Federation of Brunei Malay Entrepreneurs (PPPMB). – AZIZ IDRIS
She lauded the Brunei Government for having good people-to-people relations with Chinese delegations who have visited the Sultanate as well as providing incentives for attracting foreign direct investors.
“My colleagues and I are ready to be a ‘good bridge’ between the two sides. We are here to help Chinese businesses to know more about Brunei and see more opportunities in the future.
Among the areas of cooperation highlighted during the visit to PPPMB was the Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) refinery project that will offer a total of 10,000 career opportunities when the plant comes into full operation.
Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd’s multi-billion dollar refinery and petrochemical plant project which sits on a 260-hectare site at PMB is expected to begin operation in the first half of 2019.
The project is worth more than US$4 billion and once in operation, the refinery is expected to produce eight million tonnes of by-products per year including aromatics, gasoline and diesel, providing enough fuel to meet local demand.
Dr Haji Abdul Latif bin Haji Chuchu, President of PPPMB, said that the members are keen to lend a helping hand to assist any Chinese investors in the mega-project in terms of supplies and other services.
He revealed that more than 10 PPPMB members are currently undergoing or have completed training in China in various courses.
This is part of initiative of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ which calls for integration through increasing cultural exchanges and broadening trade.
“We need to train our members, especially youth members to change their mind-set and make business their first choice rather than relying on securing a job in the government or in big companies,” he said.
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