Speeches

Chinese New Year Reception in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Following is the speech by the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Mr Law Kin-wai at the Chinese New Year Reception in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam today (February 12):

Ambassador Yu (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Ms Yu Hong), Peter (Regional Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Peter Wong), Jackson (President of Brunei-China Belt and Road Association, Mr Jackson Ting), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Kung Hei Fat Choy! A very good evening to all of you.

This is my first trip to Bandar Seri Begawan since I took up the post of Director-General of the Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta of the Hong Kong SAR Government two months ago. Our office strives to enhance the bilateral relations between Hong Kong and ASEAN, including Brunei.

This beautiful country is no stranger to me. I came here quite often a few years ago when I was working in the Economic and Trade Office in Singapore. I now still have very fond memory of visiting the “Green Jewel of Brunei”, Ulu Temburong National Park, back then. Not once, but twice!

I am very happy to be back, particularly with all of you to celebrate Chinese New Year here with us. Let me wish you all a very happy and prosperous year ahead!

Updates on developments in Hong Kong
I always think that Brunei and Hong Kong share many great moments. For example, we celebrated with our friends in Brunei the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong SAR here in August 2017. We would come more often and share with you new developments in Hong Kong. On this, let me take this opportunity to share with you some updates.

As underpinned in the 2018 Policy Address by our Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, we continue to enhance Hong Kong as an international commerce and trading centre. There is huge potential for Brunei and Hong Kong to build closer relations, particularly on trade, investment and professional services.

Of note is the Belt and Road Initiative, which would generate new impetus for economic development. In this connection, it was timely and encouraging to see the Brunei-China Belt and Road Association established in last November. I trust that under the leadership of Jackson and the committee, Brunei and China, including Hong Kong, would develop stronger ties in investment, economy, trade, culture, education and tourism.

Meanwhile, there is huge development potential in the Greater Bay Area for businesses, both local and overseas. To better enhance connectivity within the region, the 55km mega bridge connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau commenced operation in last October. We encourage our friends in Brunei to explore the potentials in the Area.

Another exciting news is that the Free Trade Agreement and the related Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN are now in the final stage of ratification by individual ASEAN Member States. We expect the Agreements will enter into force in the very near future.

The Agreements are comprehensive in scope, encompassing trade in goods, trade in services, investment, economic and technical co-operation and dispute settlement mechanisms. They will bring more legal certainty, better market access and fairer and more equitable treatment in trade and investment. There would be new business opportunities and greater trade and investment flows between Hong Kong and ASEAN, including of course Brunei. We do encourage Bruneian businessmen to make the most out of the benefits of the Agreements.

Conclusion
Once again, I thank you all for your support in the past and look forward to working together to further strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and Brunei, as well as ASEAN.

Please enjoy the evening. Thank you!

Ends/Tuesday, February 12, 2019