20000402

Chances of manpower

export to Brunei

examined

BRUNEI, (Darussalam): The Chief Executive, Gen Pervez Musharraf, and Brunei Minister of Education and Health Haji Abdul Aziz discussed here on Saturday the possibility of exporting Pakistani professional people in various fields to Brunei to further strengthen their bonds of friendship.

Aziz called on the Chief Executive at Istana Darut Taqwa and discussed with him matters of mutual interest. Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar and Commerce Minister Razak Dawood and senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Musharraf invited Abdul Aziz to visit Pakistan, a senior official of foreign office said here after the meeting.

Gen Musharraf flew here on a two-day official visit in the wee hours of Saturday morning. In his arrival statement he said that his discussions with Sultan of Brunei would cover bilateral relations and a regional importance.

"Pakistan's relations with Brunei are based on common faith and values", he said.

Musharraf expressed hope that his visit would provide an impetus to "our economic relations and further enhance our understanding on matters of political importance".

There are about 500 Pakistani families who are working in Brunei which became independent in 1984. Brunei has a population of 0.33 million, out of which 8,000 are foreigners. Its main exports are oil and gas with a per capita income of 2200 dollars.

It earns 3.2 billion dollars from its exports which mainly go to Japan.ÑAPP