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 as the Chair of ASEAN for 2021 in a titah notes that this year's expo bears special significance as Brunei Darussalam and the People's Republic of China celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ASEAN China dialogue relations, and a key milestone for Brunei Darussalam as Brunei Darussalam commemorate the 30th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations with The People's Republic of China. His Majesty highlights the matter in a titah at the Opening Ceremony of the 18th CAEXPO in Nanning, People's Republic of China via video recording. Also invited to deliver speeches at the Opening Ceremony were Leaders from ASEAN Member States and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In the titah, His Majesty underlines that despite the ongoing pandemic that has disrupted economic activities all over the world, the monarch is encouraged to note that ASEAN and China registered an increase in total merchandise trade in 2020, maintaining China's position as ASEAN's number one trading partner. This underscored the strong economic ties and business linkages that characterised the long-standing relationship between ASEAN and China.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the titah says that 18 years since the introduction of the CAEXPO, the event continues to be an important platform for the promotion of trade, investment, tourism and further strengthening of economic ties between ASEAN and China. In ending the titah, His Majesty is confident that these events would continue to make China an attractive export destination for ASEAN products and help further boost trade relation and maintain China's position as one of ASEAN's top trading partner.
The 18th CAEXPO will be held from the 10th to 13th September 2021. The theme of this year's Expo is "Advancing Quality Belt and Road Initiative, BRI Cooperation, Promoting Sustainable Development". CAEXPO has established an efficient and pragmatic exchange platform for China and ASEAN countries to carry out cooperation in specific areas centring on strategic development priorities through high-level conferences and forums. Over the past 17 years, more than 200 high-level forums and conferences have been held on the side-lines, covering many key areas in the development strategies of China and ASEAN countries.
Source: Radio Television Brunei