Brunei-Japan trade deal to take effect soon: envoy
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
THE trade deal between Brunei and Japan is expected to take effect soon after last year's signing, Japanese Awmbassador to Brunei Darussalam Hashimoto Itsuo yesterday said.
The deal is expected to promote the liberalisation and facilitation of trade and investment between the two countries and invigorate the economies of both countries.
"The Japan-Brunei Economic Partnership Agreement which was signed last year is now expected to enter into force in the near future," said Itsuo.
He also noted progress in talks to hammer out a deal to avoid double taxation. "I believe these legal frameworks will become the stepping stone for much closer Japan-Brunei relations," he said.
The Japanese ambassador yesterday hosted a luncheon for the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar after the minister's visit to Japan last month. The luncheon, which took place at the ambassador's residence, also coincided with the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Embassy in Brunei.
"Since then, the embassy has been achieving excellence in developing cordial Japan-Brunei ties. In this regard, my sincere appreciation goes to His Majesty, His Majesty's government and the people of Brunei for their magnificent support and understanding," the ambassador was quoted as saying in a press release from the embassy.
At present, there are 13 Japanese and 18 local staff working at the embassy.
Itsuo paid tribute to Pehin Dato Hj Yahya for his "immeasurable dedication" to the natural gas and oil trade between the two countries. He highlighted the minister's meetings with Japan's cabinet ministers such as Masahiko Koumura, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Akira Amari, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
"I am immensely encouraged that Pehin's successful visit made bilateral ties much deeper and stronger," said Itsuo.
He also thanked the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abd Wahab, who has been contributing to the development of Japan and Brunei relations including private sector exchange programmes and youth exchange programmes between the two countries. "I seek Dato's continuous support and understanding to deepen our prosperous bilateral ties."
He also thanked the Japanese nationals working in the sultanate, singling out Japanese Association in Brunei President Akinori Miyasaka and the Secretary General of Brunei-Japan Friendship Association, Hiroshi Sawada, who recently received the Japanese Foreign Minister's Award. Also present during the luncheon were senior officers from the Energy Division, Prime Minister's Office.
The Brunei Times
The deal is expected to promote the liberalisation and facilitation of trade and investment between the two countries and invigorate the economies of both countries.
"The Japan-Brunei Economic Partnership Agreement which was signed last year is now expected to enter into force in the near future," said Itsuo.
He also noted progress in talks to hammer out a deal to avoid double taxation. "I believe these legal frameworks will become the stepping stone for much closer Japan-Brunei relations," he said.
The Japanese ambassador yesterday hosted a luncheon for the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar after the minister's visit to Japan last month. The luncheon, which took place at the ambassador's residence, also coincided with the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Embassy in Brunei.
"Since then, the embassy has been achieving excellence in developing cordial Japan-Brunei ties. In this regard, my sincere appreciation goes to His Majesty, His Majesty's government and the people of Brunei for their magnificent support and understanding," the ambassador was quoted as saying in a press release from the embassy.
At present, there are 13 Japanese and 18 local staff working at the embassy.
Itsuo paid tribute to Pehin Dato Hj Yahya for his "immeasurable dedication" to the natural gas and oil trade between the two countries. He highlighted the minister's meetings with Japan's cabinet ministers such as Masahiko Koumura, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Akira Amari, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
"I am immensely encouraged that Pehin's successful visit made bilateral ties much deeper and stronger," said Itsuo.
He also thanked the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abd Wahab, who has been contributing to the development of Japan and Brunei relations including private sector exchange programmes and youth exchange programmes between the two countries. "I seek Dato's continuous support and understanding to deepen our prosperous bilateral ties."
He also thanked the Japanese nationals working in the sultanate, singling out Japanese Association in Brunei President Akinori Miyasaka and the Secretary General of Brunei-Japan Friendship Association, Hiroshi Sawada, who recently received the Japanese Foreign Minister's Award. Also present during the luncheon were senior officers from the Energy Division, Prime Minister's Office.
The Brunei Times
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