Zhou Jiangyong, Party secretary of Hangzhou, talks with Yu Hong, Chinese ambassador to Brunei, on June 29. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A government delegation from Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, embarked on a visit to Brunei on June 29, with the purpose of advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and bolster cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, tourism and culture.

Led by Zhou Jiangyong, Party secretary of Hangzhou, the delegation will also visit Vietnam and Azerbaijan in the coming days.

China developed a strategic partnership with Brunei as part of the BRI last year, which provided opportunities for Hangzhou companies to explore the Bruneian and ASEAN market, according to Zhou, adding that he hopes the two countries can cement cooperation in the technology, cultural and tourism sectors.

Yu Hong, Chinese ambassador to Brunei, said that the embassy will serve as a bridge to facilitate general cooperation between the two countries.

Hangzhou is one of the most dynamic cities in China, which is why Brunei encourages investment from more Hangzhou enterprises, said an official from Brunei.

In 2017, Zhejiang-based Hengyi Petrochemical Co, a Hangzhou-based company engaged in the production and distribution of petrochemical products, inked an agreement with the Bruneian government to jointly develop a crude oil refinery and petrochemical plant.

The first phase of the project is on track for a trial run and will begin operation by the end of 2019.

Zhou said that Hengyi Petrochemical Co has set a successful example for Chinese enterprises developing in Brunei, and hopes the project can be built into a flagship program symbolizing the friendly relations between China and Brunei.