On September 10, the 18th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) opened in Nanning, China. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam was invited to deliver a video speech at the opening ceremony.
The Sultan stated that the current CAEXPO coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN, and it is also the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei and China, which is of great significance. Sultan congratulated China on successfully hosting the 18th CAEXPO in withstanding the pressure of the epidemic. After 18 years of continuous development, the CAEXPO has become an important platform for promoting China-ASEAN trade, investment and tourism, and has strengthened the economic cooperation relationship between ASEAN and China. Although the current epidemic is raging and global economic activities have been severely affected, China-ASEAN bilateral merchandise trade still achieved overall growth in 2020. China has remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner, demonstrating strong economic ties and business linkages that characterized the long-standing relationship between the two sides. The Sultan said “We should build upon this strong foundation and continue to join hands to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts in the region,” and he believes that the CAEXPO will continue to make China an attractive export destination for ASEAN products, and further enhance the bilateral trade relationship.
The Sultan added that the Belt and Road Initiative is significant in enhancing regional connectivity and bringing countries closer. “It could also present opportunities for countries to work together in many areas and through sub-regional fora such as BIMP-EAGA, which would further contribute to the inclusive revitalization of their economies.”
Brunei’s main media, such as Borneo Bulletin, Media Permata, and Sin Chew Daily all reported the news on the front page.