The 22nd China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) opened on September 17 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre (NICEC), People’s Republic of China, bringing together regional leaders, ministers and businesses under the theme “Digital Intelligence and Innovation Empower Development – Leveraging China–ASEAN FTA 3.0 New Opportunities for an Even Closer China–ASEAN Community of a Shared Future.”
Officiated by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, the five-day event highlighted cooperation in trade, innovation, and emerging industries.
Representing Brunei Darussalam was the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, accompanied by the Minister of Development, Dato Seri Setia Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid.
A total of 13 companies including Government-Linked Companies (GLCs), Statutory Body and start-ups from Brunei Darussalam participated in this year’s CAEXPO, with presence at the Pavilion of Cities of Charm, Commodity Pavilion and the ASEAN HighTech Gallery.
This year marks the first time that Brunei Darussalam participates in the ASEAN High-Tech Gallery.
On September 17, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew also took part in the China-ASEAN Industry Ministerial Roundtable Meeting organised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (MIIT).
The Roundtable provided a platform for ASEAN Ministers and senior officials to exchange views on industrial policies and best practices, building on the momentum of the China-ASEAN Emerging Industries Forum held in Shenzhen back in July 2023.
The discussions underscored the commitment to deepen cooperation in emerging industries and to promote sustainable, innovation driven growth across the region.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew also had a high level meeting with senior Guangxi leaders, including the Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Wei Tao; the Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Committee Chen Gang; and the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Committee Mr Wang Weiping.
The meetings reaffirmed the close ties between Brunei and Guangxi where further opportunities for deeper cooperation that would generate mutual benefits were discussed.
On September 18, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew attended the Fifth Meeting of the Brunei–Guangxi Economic Corridor Joint Cooperation Committee (BGEC-JCC5).
The BGEC continues to play a pivotal role in advancing collaboration in sectors such as aquaculture, ICT, logistics, food processing, and tourism – key areas supporting Brunei’s economic diversification agenda. Progress at Muara Port and the direct shipping link to Beibu Gulf Ports have further strengthened trade connectivity.
Brunei also values Guangxi’s support in sustaining the Brunei–Nanning route operated by Royal Brunei Airlines and hopes this support will continue, ensuring long-term viability for trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Looking ahead, Brunei welcomes greater Chinese investment in food security, downstream oil and gas, logistics services, ICT, and tourism.
As part of the programme, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew and Wei Tao witnessed the signing of several Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs).
These covered strategic areas such as electrolytic aluminium production, joint development of the Brunei Terunjing Industrial Park, and initiatives to strengthen Brunei’s startup and innovation ecosystem through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.
The signing ceremony was also witnessed by the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of Guangxi Wang Naixue, and the Permanent Secretary (Economy, Trade and Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Ahmad Ariffin. – James Kon
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin