Vice Governor Wan Qingliang met with visiting Bruneian Ambassador to China Magdalene Teo at provincial hall on May 19, 2008.

    Wan extended his welcome to Teo and his gratitude for the sympathy and concern expressed by His Majesty of Brunei Darussalam to the people inflicted by the severe earthquake in Sichuan.

    Wan made a briefing concerning Guangdong’s social and economic development.

    “Guangdong Brunei economic cooperation and trade ties have maintained a good momentum of development,” Wan said, adding Guangdong Brunei trade volume reached US$78.78 million last year, accounting for 22 percent of total China Brunei trade volume.

    “Rich in natural resources, Brunei is the major country for petroleum and LPG production and export in Southeast Asia. Guangdong is quite developed in manufacturing industry with large demand for petroleum and natural gas. I wish further substantial mutual cooperation could be achieved in energy area.

    “There is also strong complementability between Guangdong and Brunei in electronics, home appliances, and tourism industry. I hope mutual cooperation and exchanges in these fields would continue to expand.”

    Wan said Guangdong highly values its relations with all ASEAN countries including Brunei.

    “Guangdong is planning to organize a delegation to ASEAN countries aimed to further promote trade ties with them,” Wan said.

    Wan added he wishes Teo would actively promote Guangdong to Brunei people and encourage Bruneian entrepreneurs to invest in Guangdong in order to strengthen friendly mutual cooperation and exchanges.

    Wan also vigorously suggested that Brunei side establish its consulate general in Guangzhou to further promote mutual friendly relations.

    Teo spoke highly of the achievements Guangdong has made since the reform and opening-up three decades ago, saying she is deeply impressed with her first Guangdong tour.

    “Brunei is facing the task of industrial restructuring and economic development as it is implementing economic diversification,” Teo said, adding “Brunei will vigorously learn from Guangdong’s successful experience in economic development”.

    “I wish more Guangdong enterprises would go to invest in Brunei and mutual economic cooperation and trade ties would be further intensified as there are great prospects for Guangdong Brunei cooperation,” Teo said.

    “I will be committed to promoting friendly Guangdong Brunei and Guangdong ASEAN exchanges and cooperation,” Teo said.

    “Brunei will actively consider the suggestion regarding the establishment of its consulate general in Guangzhou. I wish we could achieve this target as soon as possible,” Teo added.

    GDFAO Deputy Director General Hu Wei attended the meeting.