The relationship of the European Parliament, EP; and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, AIPA; contributes to the development of European Union, EU; and ASEAN relations and strategic steps in supporting and participating in its implementation. The matter was discussed during the dialogue session of the European Regional Parliament and AIPA which was held virtually, yesterday. The dialogue hosted by the European Parliament was attended by delegations from the ASEAN countries Parliaments and delegations from the European countries Parliaments. Representing the Legislative Council to the dialogue session were Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad. Present was Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin bin Haji Asar, Secretary of the Cabinet Ministers Council and Clerk to the Legislative Council.
At the dialogue session, two main points were highlighted namely mitigation measures from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the issue of the development of trade relations between the EU and ASEAN. Brunei Darussalam values trade relations between the European Union and ASEAN and fully supports the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, CPTPP, which provides significant opportunities in trade and investment in the Pacific and European regions.
Brunei Darussalam also benefits from the European Union’s contribution in channeling manpower capacity. These include, the development of digital services towards increasing the market of small and medium enterprises, SMEs, to be more consistent in diversifying the economy. The country’s delegation also issued a statement on the importance of best practices based on the ASEAN Rules of Origin to be more transparent and orderly in expanding trade in the Pacific and European regions.
Source: Radio Television Brunei