| By Achong Tanjong
Members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in a group portrait
with the Minister of Home Affairs.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce led by president Robert Koh
taking the oath in front of Pehin Dato Laila Utama Haji Awg. Isa.
The Chinese community, notably
the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, has been attributed with having
made invaluable contributions towards the progress and economic
growth of Brunei, it being the most active group as key players
in business and the commercial sector here.
The Special Advisor to His
Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei
Darussalam and Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Laila Utama
Haji Awg Isa, paid this tribute yesterday at a ceremony held in
conjunction with oath-taking and presentation of letters of 37th
Appointment for members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Administrative Committee 2003 -2005 on Wednesday night at the
Empire Hotel & Country Club.
The chamber not only focuses on
local business but also regional and international events. Their
experience and expertise in business is a meaningful guide to
local entrepreneurs especially among the Small and Medium
Enterprises (SME).
The minister, who was the
honorable guest at the function, urged all organizations and
business bodies in the country - regardless of community and
districts - to enhance close cooperation in harmony to succeed
in an era of globalisation which is full of various challenges
and opportunities.
He said partnership and
cooperation are the keys to success in managing business and
trade in Brunei, which includes the effort to attract more
foreign investors to do business here. Thus, he added would
encourage creating the nation's drive for sustainable economic
growth - to be as competitive as other developing countries.
The minister also witnessed the
signing and oath-taking ceremony by 43 newly appointed members
for a three-year term (2003- 2005). The function was held last.
Earlier, President of the
Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Robert Koh Hoe Kiat, in his speech
touched on the importance of human resource development and
knowledge technology toward economic development.
He also urged new members of
the chamber to upgrade knowledge on all fields including economy
and trade and to practise a new style of management and to widen
understanding in regional economic development.
He said, the Chinese Chamber
would continue to work closely with the government economic and
trade department as well as other industries and business
organizations as a prime mover of the country economic progress.
The chamber will also continue to foster closer ties with other
foreign business communities as a ways to encourage local
entrepreneurs to exploited foreign market.
|
