On 16 May 2016, ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) Secretary-General H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping met with Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei.
Secretary-General Yang noted that 2016 marked the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Brunei and China. With the official launch of ASEAN Community and implementation of Belt and Road Initiative, ASEAN-China and Brunei-China cooperation faced important historical opportunities. It was believed that ASEAN-China and Brunei-China relations would make continuous development.
Secretary-General Yang expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei for its continued support to ACC. While introducing briefly on ACC’s work, she said in 2016 ACC would implement 19 flagship projects in various fields and conduct a series of activities, including ASEAN-China Week and Summer Youth Camp to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations and the ASEAN-China Year of Educational Exchange. The purpose of organizing the trade and investment mission to Brunei was to further strengthen Brunei-China pragmatic cooperation and pursue common development by facilitating business matching. ACC was willing to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to deepen Brunei-China relations and bring more benefits to the public.
Deputy Minister Dato Erywan extended a warm welcome to Secretary-General Yang and spoke highly of ACC’s work and achievements. He expressed that Brunei attached great importance to the unique role played by ACC in promoting ASEAN-China functional cooperation and expected more investment from Chinese enterprises. For further development of tourism, the Government of Brunei has decided to simplify visa procedures for Chinese tourists and looked forward to receiving more Chinese tourists in the days to come. ACC was expected to give continuous support and assistance to Brunei in tourism promotion in China with a view to strengthening friendly exchanges between the two peoples.