Maximise Asean-China opportunities
By Azaraimy HH in Nusa Dua, Bali

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the 14th Asean-China Summit at the 19th Asean Summit and Related Summits in Nusa Dua, Bali, called on other Asean member states to maximise opportunities with China.

His Majesty recalled the 20 years of Asean-China dialogue relations and the numerous achievements they have attained.

His Majesty commended how the relations have progressed quickly and deepened into various areas of cooperation.

His Majesty believed that everything is well in place and Asean and China should make full use of the opportunities and maximise the benefits it can bring.

His Majesty also highlighted three key features of Asean-China relations that should continue to be emphasised, namely, the close friendship and regular consultations between one another as these are fundamental in building trust and understanding among the peoples of the two regions; encouraging the active role of the youth of both regions; and the need for the two regions to continue to strengthen economic linkages.

On encouraging the role of youth, His Majesty tasked officials to look into the ideas from the Asean-China Youth Leaders Symposium, so that the partnership will continue to be revitalised with new and innovative ideas.

His Majesty also see more prospects and even greater potential for enhancing trade and investment through fully utilising the Asean-China Free Trade Area. To complement these efforts, the launching of the Asean-China Centre would also help in enhancing interaction between business people of Asean and China.

At the Asean-China Commemorative Summit, Leaders adopted the "Joint Statement of the Asean-China Summit to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Dialogue Relations"; the "Asean-China Environmental Cooperation Action Plan (2011-2013)"; and the "Agreement between Asean and China on Science and Technology Cooperation". A Chairman's Statement on the 14th Asean-China Summit was also issued. The Asean-China Commemorative Summit was followed by the launching of the Asean-China Centre. - Borneo Bulletin (19th Novempber 2011)


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