Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan – Trade between Brunei and China continues to gain momentum with an increase of 7.3 per cent for the first seven months of this year, the Chinese ambassador said last night.

The total bilateral trade volume reached US$157 million as of the end of July, said Tong Xiaoling during a dinner reception to celebrate the 59th National Day of China at the International Convention Centre (1CC) in Berakas.

More than 400 guests attended the dinner reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy, including the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat and his wife, Datin Hjh Masnah Hj Tuah.

The Chinese ambassador described the year 2008 as an eventful year for Brunei-China relations where she pointed out His Majesty the Sultan and

Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's attendance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games last August.

"We are deeply touched by the goodwill and support extended by His Majesty's Government and the Bruneian people to the Chinese government and people in our disaster relief and our hosting of the Beijing Olympic games," she said.

"His Majesty will soon visit China again to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Summit Meeting to be held on October 24 in Beijing," said Tong.

She also mentioned of Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna's expected visit to Nanjing in Jiangsu province to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Boni (Brunei) Maharaja Karna's visit to China in 1408.

According to history Boni Maharaja Karna got diseased, passed away and was buried in China.

The Chinese ambassador also spoke of the progress of reforms which shaped the course of China's development in the last 30 years. China's GDP in 2007 reached US$3.61 trillion, ranked as the third largest economy in the world, she said.

"Remarkable progress has also been achieved across all social sectors and the Chinese people's living standard has greatly improved," she said.

"In the past 30 years, historic changes have also occurred in the relations between contemporary China and the rest of the world, resulting in ever closer interconnection between China's future and destiny and those of the world," she added.

Tong also reiterated her country's pursuit for an "independent foreign policy of peace and hold high the great banner of development and cooperation".

The speech was followed by the cake-cutting ceremony by the minister, his wife and the Chinese ambassador.

Other foreign ambassadors, high commissioners, other members of the diplomatic corps and the Chinese community in Brunei were then treated to delectable Chinese and Malay cuisines.

The guests were entertained to stage performances of Chinese traditional dances by students and teachers of Chung Hwa Middle School in the capital. There was also a martial arts performance and a photo exhibition showcasing the country of China. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times