The Forum of the Review and Prospect of China-Brunei Strategic Cooperative Partnership Building——Perspectives from Education and Industry, co-hosted by Guangxi University of China, University Technology Brunei Darussalam, and China-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Regional Development Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, was held both online and offline on November 10，2021.  H.E. Yu Hong, Ambassador of China to Brunei, Mr. Wang Naixue,Vice Chairman of the CPPCC of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangxi University, and Dato Dr. Hj Abdul Manaf, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Brunei delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Ms Kang Wen and over 100 people from related departments, corporations, news media from both countries also attended the forum. 

H.E. Ambassador Yu Hong remarked this year marked the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the 30th anniversary of China-Brunei Diplomatic Relations and the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, which meant special significance for both China and Brunei. Over the past 30 years, we adhere to the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Both sides have witnessed frequent exchange of high-level visits and continuously deepened mutual political trust. The relation between China and Brunei has been upgraded to a strategic partnership of cooperation in 2018. Over the past 30 years, two countries have been deepening cooperation, focusing on mutual benefits and win-win results, established different bilateral business and trade mechanism to accelerate the cooperation. China has become Brunei's biggest source of foreign direct investment and the third largest trading partner. The bilateral trade hit a record high this year. We firmly support multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core. We firmly oppose trade protectionism, have close cooperation in international and regional affairs. China and Brunei both concluded the ratification of RCEP which made great contribution to its taking effects on schedule. China and Brunei have increased their cooperation in education, tourism, sports, culture and other aspects. The people of the two countries have also enhanced understanding and established friendship through communication and exchanges. Chinese and Bruneian people have further deepened their friendship throughout the journey of combating COVID-19 outbreak with “Kampong Spirit” and have been extending sympathy and support to each other. 

H.E.Ambassador Yu Hong also pointed out that the great momentum of economic and trade exchanges and industrial cooperation between two countries have brought great demands for educational cooperation, especially in training of professionals. Educational cooperation may provide more talents for industrial development. The Chinese government has provided scholarships and training programs to Brunei students and employees through various channels. Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises have cooperated with relevant universities in both countries and made positive progress by multi-channel training for Bruneian industrial development. Both promoting the high-quality development of BRI and realizing the goal of economic diversification in Brunei require the support of professionals and technology. Under the theme of China-Brunei strategic cooperative partnership, this forum will focus on the interactive development of industry and education and pay attention to the highlights, difficulties and key points of bilateral cooperation and economic diversification. We hope higher education institutions and enterprises in China and Brunei continue to strengthen exchanges, and contribute wisdom and strength to promote the integrated development of bilateral industrial and educational cooperation, thus further deepen relations between the two parties. 

Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Dato Dr. Manaf pointed out that China and Brunei had established a close partnership along these 30 years. As the bilateral trade accounting for 18% of Brunei’s trade volume, China is one of the top trading partners of Brunei even under the COVID-19. Cooperation in downstream industries, agriculture, finance sectors have achieved positive results. In education field, a number of memorandums have been signed and several joint studies have been carried out. The joint training in the chemical industry which has made positive progress was highlighted. Brunei is looking forward to cooperation and exchanges in more fields with China.

Vice chairman of the CPPCC of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangxi University Mr. Wang Naixue said that as an international gateway hub connecting with ASEAN, Guangxi plays a unique and important role in promoting Chinese-Brunei cooperation. The signing of the MOU on Guangxi-Brunei Economic Corridor has brought comprehensive cooperation in agriculture, industry, logistics, halal food processing, and tourism  etc. After years of development, the Corridor has become a key project between the two countries. We hope that this Forum will contribute wisdom for the two countries to better participate in regional development and jointly promote the  construction of BRI, and play a better role in enhancing the opening up and cooperation with ASEAN states. 

All guests witnessed the signing of the MOU between the College of Civil Engineering and Architecture of Guangxi University and the Faculty of Engineering of University Technology Brunei Darussalam after the opening ceremony, and watched the intro films of the two universities. Prof. Dr Hjh Zohrah, Vice Chancellor of UTB and HE Xu Bu, President of China Institute of International Studies cum Secretary General of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre delivered keynote speeches. Participating experts further discussed on topics of Review and Prospect of the 30th Anniversary of the Establishments of Diplomatic Relations Between P. R. China and Brunei, Prospects and Opportunities for Education Cooperation Between two countries, and Prospects and Opportunities for Industrial Cooperation Between two sides.