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Brunei-US Trade Hits $1 Billion
By Sonia K.

Bandar Seri Begawan - Trade between Brunei Darussalam and the United States of America crossed the $1 billion mark last year powered by the private sector.

US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Emil Skodon, disclosed this in his speech during the celebration of the 230th anniversary of the independence of USA at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The guest of honour was Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Dato DrAwang Haji Ahmad bin Haji Jumat and his wife Datin Hajah Masnah binti Haji Tuah.

"Brunei and USA share common interests in promoting regional stability and economic prosperity in Southeast Asia and in countering the scourge of international terrorism.

We have worked together closely in pursuit of those shared interests," said the US Ambassador.

"Some of our extensive interaction has taken place at high policy levels.

His Majesty the Sultan consented to receive Admiral William Fallon, the Commander of all US forces in Asia and the Pacific, during the Admiral's productive visit to Brunei in February, and more recently the US Navy was honoured when HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah consented to fly out to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft for an orientation visit as the carrier transited near Bruneian waters.

"There is also an extensive and productive schedule of exchanges at the working level. Just in the last couple of days, for example, a Bruneian team returned from a trip to California, where it discussed best practices on broader control and lookout systems with American counterparts," Mr Skodon said.

"As extensive as our ties are, we are pursuing opportunities to do even more. Last November, His Majesty joined other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian nations to meet with President Bush in Korea during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, where they agreed to launch a US-Asean Enhanced Partnership that promises to further expand our political, security, economic and social cooperation.

"We are working closely with Brunei on items to be included in the Enhanced Partnership Action Plan that will make good on that promise, including projects that will demonstrate in very concrete ways the continuing commitment of the United States to Southeast Asia," the ambassador said.

"Notwithstanding all this government-to-government activity, it is the positive connections between Bruneians and Americans at the personal level that have made the strongest impression on me during my first months in Brunei.

Just recently, I was humbled to attend a ceremony marking the donation of over B$90,000 to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, voluntary donations from individual Bruneians in response to a campaign administered by His Majesty's government. I am grateful for that generosity. It was a wonderful example of Bruneians reaching out to Americans in a way that exemplifies the warm relationships between our nations," he said.

Yesterday's reception started with the playing of the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and USA followed by the cutting of the Independence Day cake.

The guests were treated to tastes of the USA such as American food specialties, some old favourites of American music and an American product that was introduced to the Brunei market last year, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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