Talk on Asean economic integration
By Laila Rahman

Lim Jock Hoi delivering his talk. Photo: Rudolf Portillo 

Asean and the European Union agreed 10 days ago to craft a framework agreement preparatory to the establishment of a free trade zone arrangement between the two regional blocs.

This trans-regional EU-Asean Trade initiative is similar to agreements the Asean forged separately with Japan, China, India and the United States. It may or may not lead to a free trade area. But it is open to that objective, said Ambassador of France to Brunei Thierry Borja de Mozota , during a talk on the Economic Integration of Asean yesterday.

Greater trade and investment flows could be achieved through closer co-operation in trade facilitation, regulatory issues and greater understanding of questions of mutual interest, he said.

He said a step by step policy pushes forward more co-operation in terms of investments or human resources through a bilateral but also a regional approach.

Mr. Lim Jock Hoi, the Director-General of International Relations & Trade Development, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, delivered a talk yesterday.

The talk on the Economic Integration of Asean highlighted the opportunities and challenges available to the private sector in relation to initiatives or efforts undertaken by Asean member countries to integrate their economies internally as well as externally with Asean economic dialogue partners.

Internal integration efforts include those under the Asean Free Trade Area, the Asean Investment Area, the Asean Framework Agreement on Services and the Asean Industrial Co-operation Scheme. Externally, Asean is undertaking integration activities with its economic dialogue partners such as People's Republic of China, Japan, India United States, EU, Australia and New Zealand.

The President of French Bruneian Business Association, Dr. Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Haji Talib, said this year it has an incoming exhibition on education and science with business. This exhibition traces the origins of perfume, cosmetics and aromatherapy in ancient Egypt and then on to the beauty and the best of French bodycare of the present.

"In July, we shall be organising our annual get together. It is going to be another fun night for your networking purposes. And the Kuala Belait branch is getting geared up for a related oil and gas talk at the Discovery Centre in Seria," he said.

There was a question and answer session after the presentation. Ambassadors, high commissioners, and other guests were present.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin