HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend the 21st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting 2013 with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with Leaders, marking the start of the annual meet of the Leaders of 21 Member Economies of APEC yesterday at Sofitel Hotel in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

His Majesty’s was greeted on arrival at the Sofitel Hotel Bali by Dr H Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, and followed by a photo opportunity.

His Majesty then consented to proceed with other APEC Leaders for the Plenary Session of the ABAC Dialogue with Leaders. Wishnu Wardhana, APEC CEO Summit 2013 Chair presented his remarks prior to the start of the closed-door discussions at the ABAC Dialogue with Leaders.

The APEC Economic Leaders received direct input and recommendations from ABAC, which represents the business community in the Asia-Pacific region. In his speech, Indonesian President, Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono underlined that since APEC’s establishment, businesses have played a key role in the face of global economic challenges.

The focus of discussion was on deepening regional economic integration; promoting infrastructure and sustainable development; fostering Small-Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) development and entrepreneurship; and fostering the development and integration of financial markets.

Representing Brunei Darussalam’s ABAC members were Haslina Taib, Chief Executive Officer of BAG Networks; Javed Ahmed, Managing Director of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam; and Hafimi Abdul Haadii, President of the Young Entrepreneurs Association Brunei.

Following the ABAC Dialogue with Leaders was a Break-Out Session, in which His Majesty consented to proceed with Leaders of Australia, Mexico and Chinese Taipei.

Accompanying His Majesty at the ABAC Dialogue were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abd Rahman bin Hj Ibrahim, Second Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister’s Office; Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; and Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awg Hj Mohammad Yasmin bin Hj Umar, Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office.

His Majesty also consented to attend the first session of the Leaders’ Retreat in the afternoon following the luncheon.

The meeting will continue today with the second session of the Leaders’ Retreat, which will discuss the regional connectivity agenda, followed by an informal discussion between APEC Leaders and leaders from the Pacific Islands, and will close with a working lunch which will focus on achieving sustainable growth with equity in the Asia-Pacific region. - Borneo Bulletin (8 October 2013)