CAEXPO to boost cooperations in tourism, fishery, agriculture


By James Kon

Wang Xiaoguang presenting a souvenir to Hjh Asmah Hj Saman after
the discussion. – PHOTO: JAMES KON

Cooperation on tourism, fisheries and agriculture between Brunei Darussalam and China will be further
enhanced at the coming 6th China ASEAN Expo (6th CAEXPO), scheduled on October 20 at Nanning, the
autonomous region of Guangxi, China.

In addition, China is also looking to share its expertise with Brunei in the fields of aquaculture, organic
plantation and paddy farming.

This was highlighted by the Vice Secretary-General and Assistant Director-General of CAEXPO Secretariat
of the Guangxi International Expositions Bureau, Wang Xiaoguang, at an interview following the briefing at
the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources’ (MIPR) Promotion & Facilitation Services Division yesterday.

He said MIPR Minister, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato
Paduka Hj Bakar, is expected to visit China in April to further discuss various fields of cooperation, especially
in paddy farming.

Wang is leading a delegation of officials from CAEXPO Secretariat to discuss with MIPR the various ways of
promoting the 6th CAEXPO, mentioning appropriate magazines, newspapers and websites as sources to
attract more participation

“This year’s theme will be ” Bonded Zone”, in our aspiration to realize China-Asean Free Trade Area by
2010,” he said.

To support the theme, he mentioned, “At the major Fengcheng Port of Guangxi, importers do not have to
pay excise duties until their goods are sold in the market. The goods can be stored at the warehouses
without any charges”.

There will also be discussions on the how to cope with the negative impacts of the global financial crisis at
the expo.

“This year, more countries are expected to participate. We will also be inviting countries from the Middle
East, Asia and Eastern Europe.”

Expressing interest in the Halal market, Wang said his delegation visited the consumer fair here last
December and would like to invite a number of Chinese enterprises specialising in Halal products to join the
expo.

Present at the meeting was the Director of Promotion & Facilitation Services Division, Hjh Asmah Hj Saman;
the Assistant Director of Economic Development, Hj Awg Damit Hj Mohd Arshad; and Project Officer Hjh
Hafizah Hj Awg Besar.