SG Shi Zhongjun Meets Minister II of Finance and Economy of Brunei Darussalam

On 29 February 2024, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with Minister II of Finance and Economy of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah in Seri Begawan. 

Shi Zhongjun said that economic cooperation and trade have always been highlights of ASEAN-China relations. Brunei and China have also jointly made tangible progress in developing and deepening bilateral economic relations and trade. The full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the progressing negotiations of version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) , as well as the implementation of the Brunei Vision 2035 will create more opportunities for business communities in the region including Brunei and China. The ACC is willing to strengthen cooperation with Ministry of Finance and Economy of Brunei, support its efforts in promoting the diversification and sustainability of the Bruneian economy, and tap cooperation potentials in emerging industries, so as to contribute more to the well-beings of the peoples in both countries and the region as large.  

Minister Dato Amin Liew said that Brunei has been actively striving to work closely with China and promoting collaboration within the ASEAN region. Despite being a small country, Brunei has its own advantages, and looks forward to more opportunities for inclusive collaboration, especially in such emerging industries as green economy and NEV manufacturing. Brunei stands ready to work more closely with the ACC to come up with joint projects, which all ASEAN Member States can contribute to and benefit from, and make more efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges so as to further deepen mutual understanding and promote trade and investment.

On the same day, Secretary General Shi also met with President Lim Han Chiong of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Brunei. Both sides had an in-depth exchange of views on further enhancing trade and investment cooperation between Brunei and China, and agreed to explore more engagement and cooperation between both entities in the future.