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 Brunei Darussalam, in a titah applauded the 14th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) for establishing itself as a premier event that has showcased the resilient economic and trade ties between ASEAN and China. His Majesty commended the work of the CAEXPO in promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as these businesses represented a significant source of employment in the ASEAN region. His Majesty made the titah at the Opening Ceremony of the 14th China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) and the Brunei Darussalam City of Charm Pavilion. The ceremony took place at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre (NICEC) in Nanning, People's Republic of China.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen. Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by His Excellency Zhang Xiaoqin, Vice Governor of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

Prior to the event, His Majesty signed the Visitor's Book, and then proceeded to the Osmanthus Hall for the opening ceremony. During the Opening Ceremony of the 14th CAEXPO and CABIS, His Excellency Zhang Gaoli, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China delivered a Keynote Speech.

As ASEAN celebrates the 50th anniversary of its establishment this year, His Majesty in the titah said throughout much of ASEAN's existence, it has worked closely with China in promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia, as well as in working towards further economic development and integration.

His Majesty then expressed appreciation to China for its consistent support of ASEAN's economic endeavours, as ASEAN is stepping up its efforts in securing the maximum benefits that can be obtained from an economically- integrated region. His Majesty also praised China for its strong leadership and contribution to the global economy, and welcomed more cooperation between ASEAN and China in implementing measures that promote Asia as an engine of growth in the global economy.

His Majesty underlined the importance of enhancing global connectivity, and commended China on its Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Belt. His Majesty also encouraged ASEAN and China to explore closer collaboration in carrying out the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative.

His Majesty looked forward to the upgrading of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area as a way to further strengthen the ASEAN-China partnership, and expressed hope that this will contribute to achieving the twin goals of two-way trade volume of 1 trillion US Dollars and investment of 150 billion US Dollars by 2020.

His Majesty welcomed the designation of the year 2018 as the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation, and encouraged business people and private sectors to be innovative in finding ways to work closer together. In concluding the titah, His Majesty expressed confidence that the ASEAN-China relationship will continue to be a win-win partnership for both sides.

During the opening ceremony, video presentations on ASEAN-China relations were also featured. His Majesty was then invited to the stage by His Excellency Chen Wu, Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to inaugurate the opening of the 14th CAEXPO and CABIS together with His Excellency Zhang Gaoli and other leaders, using a special mechanism.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by Brudirect.com

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