James Kon
Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Tiffany Anne McDonald yesterday commended Brunei’s success in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic spread.
She said, “The Australian government and the Brunei government have done a very good job in ensuring that the media and public understand what measures have been taken and why the governments are making the decisions. Even when I was in quarantine, I watched the Minister of Health’s livestream where he addressed the media about the measures taken in Brunei.
“I think it is important that the governments of Brunei and Australia have taken appropriate measures to protect their citizens. It is done in a manner that communicates to the people.”
McDonald said the measures in place “have been very effective. I think Brunei Darussalam has been one of the most successful countries in addressing the COVID- 19 risk. The fact that people are able to move around freely in Brunei like going to restaurants and engage with people, I feel like it is almost back to normal in this country. This is because Brunei has done so well in managing the COVID-19 risk and like Australia, one factor is the quarantine requirement, social distancing, good hygiene practices as well as wearing masks.
“Brunei is also introducing the green lane with Singapore. This is another demonstration that Brunei is taking a very sensible approach towards returning to normalcy.”
McDonald said “there is no discussion about a green lane yet between Brunei and Australian governments but I have communicated to the Australian Government on this new approach of Brunei rolling out essential travel pass.”
On the lamb shortage, McDonald said, “We will be working with government officials and Australian businesses. I hope that by working together we can resolve the issues. We are getting closer to finding a way to address this.”
As the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes Brunei Darussalam as well as Australia, is expected to be finalised and signed by the end of this year, McDonald said the free trade agreement (FTA) can be a crucial part in economic recovery as COVID-19 continues to impact the world’s economy.
She explained, “At the time where the global economy is looking to recover from COVID-19 and the disruption it has caused, the free trade agendas will be a very important aspect.
Brunei and Australia are very strong partners and advocates of trade liberalisation. Both governments seek to promote open trade opportunities in the region. Therefore RCEP is a really important free trade agenda. RCEP membership account for 30 per cent of the world population and just under 30 per cent of the world’s GDP.”
McDonald added, “It is a very important signal at a time where we are trying to recover economically from the impact of COVID-19 that we can conclude RCEP this year. In addition to the benefits that our economies will get because it builds on the various FTA that we have concluded, it sent a very important signal of free trade agenda and ASEAN centrality. Our economy is stronger and the opportunity is greater when we have a free and open trade and investment opportunity. This will be a key priority of mine too.”