Push For German Businesses To Make Bigger Inroads Here
By M K Anwar

Mr Adalbert Rittmueller

Pehin Dato Haji Awang Isa

Bandar Seri Begawan - With Brunei currently redoubling efforts to diversity its economy, German businesses and investors are more than welcome to participate in various projects being undertaken by Brunei economic agencies, Special Adviser to His Majesty and also the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Haji Awang Isa, said yesterday.

"Brunei regards Germany as a very important partner in the regional forums of the Asia Europe Meetings and the cooperation initiatives under the Asean-EC cooperation mechanism." Pehin Isa added at a reception to celebrate the day of Germany Unity.

Pehin Isa, who was the guest of honour at the event held in Indera Kayangan Ballroom

at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, noted that the level of trade and business between

Brunei and Germany has shown some advances.

This increase he said was synonymous with the health of regional economies. He also revealed that the past decade has seen the signing of two major economic and financial agreements in the form of Memorandum of Understanding on investment in 1997 and an agreement on Double Taxation in 1998.

Talking on various investment missions taking place between the respective business sectors, the Minister of Home Affairs expressed optimism that these will increase the economic linkages between the two countries.

"The visit in August by the Chairman and CEO of Lufthansa highlighted the close relations and technical cooperation between a major German corporation and Brunei," said Pehin Isa.

On the educational front, Pehin Isa said it was encouraging to see Germany becoming a popular educational destination, not only among Bruneian students but also government officers including those from the diplomatic services.

"The number of our students seeking a German educational destination is also on the rise and we hope to enhance cooperation between our respective educational institutions in the near future".

Also attending the reception Friday night were members of the diplomatic corps as well as senior government officials. The event was also highlighted with a cutting of the celebration cake by the guest of honour and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in the country, Mr Adalbert Rittmueller. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Brudirect.com News