| James Kon |
THE Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Brunei Darussalam recently hosted a Sungkai gathering for local travel agents and media personnel at the Radisson Hotel, in a bid to boost tourism between both countries.
TECO representative William Lin said, “I realise that the key to promoting trade is by promoting tourism, so that people of both countries can get to know each other better. Through mutual understanding, we can further promote trade and economic cooperation to connect Brunei and Taiwan.
“Not many people in Taiwan know about Brunei. Without travelling to Brunei, no one will know about the vast investment opportunities here,” he added.
This year, five Bruneians – including four local Malays – travelled to Taiwan to undergo treatment at the Taipei Beitou Health Management Hospital.
“Besides the latest facilities and medical treatment, the hospital also has a five-star hotel where family members can stay, while their loved ones undergo treatment,” Lin said, adding that “The cost of medical treatment is also cheaper, which is two-thirds of the hospital fees in Singapore.”
From June 27 to 30, Taiwan will host its 6th International Halal Expo which is open to participation by Bruneian companies. Held at the Taipei World Trade Centre, the expo will be the premier platform for foreign and domestic companies to showcase their latest Halal food items and products.
Taiwan currently has a Muslim population of 50,000, which is approximately 0.2 per cent of the overall population. In addition, there are around 300,000 annual Muslim visitors to Taiwan from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Middle East.
In August 2017, the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan entrusted the Taiwan External Trade Development Council with the establishment of the Taiwan Halal Centre to promote its Halal industry and create a Muslim-friendly environment.
