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Brunei-China Trade Up
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan – By the end of October, Brunei and China saw a 9.5% increase in bilateral trade from the previous year. Imports from China stood at US$43 million while Brunei exports to China mounted to US$210 million.

This was highlighted by Ambassador of China to the country, Madam Yang Yanyi, in a get-together with the local media yesterday.

She also highlighted that 2006 promises to be a year of dynamic progress of cooperation between the two countries.

The significance of 2006 is understood by the fact that it will mark the 1511 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brunei, and the 15th anniversary of Dialogue Partner between China and Asean.

Relations between both countries is characterised by comprehensive cooperation which covers a whole spectrum ranging from energy, trade, investment, ICT, culture, education, sports to defence, legislation, human resource development and people-to-people contacts.

Apart from cooperation in the energy sector, Huawei Technologies of China joined hands

with B-Mobile to establish the first 3G network in Brunei. PAD motors Sdn Bhd signed the distribution agreement for the sales of China's Dadi automobiles in Brunei. One Chinese company is collaborating with France and Brunei to set up a float glass works in 2007.

In trade, there have been more contacts between the two business circles, including the private sector. During the 2°d China-Asean Expo held in Nanning, China, last September, Brunei was represented by a 100-strong delegation which had extensive contacts with the Chinese counterparts and showcased the wonders of Brunei.

According to the Chinese Embassy, there were at least more than 30 delegations which went to China to attend various functions on economic and trade cooperation.

And vice versa, the number of visits to Brunei by trade and business people from China has been growing including visits by China-Asean Expo Promotion Group, trade delegations from Jiangsu Province, Shan'xi Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Madam Yang also said that last April, during President Hu Jintao's visit to Brunei, the two sides signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption which went into force last June, where Brunei citizens holding a valid diplomatic passport or official passport to visit China within 14 days are entitled to exemption of visa application.

For emergency cases, Brunei Ordinary passport holders who are unable to have their visa applications completed before departure for China, may apply for visa on arrival at the ports of 31 cities in China.

For frequent travellers on business and tourist purposes between both countries, the Chinese government issues multiple,entry visas valid for six months to two years. For ICI passport holders and CI passport holders working in Brunei, visa application is requested.

In addition, foreign citizens visiting Hong Kong within 90 days for tourism, business and visiting relatives enjoy exemption of visa application. Foreigners visiting Macao may apply on arrival at the port of Macao.

During the get-together, Madam Yang also briefed on China's relevant policies and measures to facilitate efforts to promote closer and stronger ties between China and other countries, including Brunei.

She said, with the deepening of China's reform and opening-up, exchanges and interaction between China and the rest of the world are becoming closer and China is becoming the world's fastest growing tourist destination. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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