Eighth Stop:Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

On Nov. 15, 2000, the 8th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting convened in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. Leaders focused their discussions on globalization, the new economy, the multilateral trading system, and human resources development. The summit adopted the APEC Economic Leaders’ Declaration: Delivering to the Community and the Action Agenda for the New Economy, which prioritized e-commerce, paperless trading, and talent cultivation. Notably, the meeting voiced support for China’s accession to the WTO.

As the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan is located in the Brunei-Muara District on the southwestern shore of Brunei Bay. Covering an area of 100.36 square kilometers and home to 240,000 people, the city has an economy anchored by the oil and gas industries. Founded in the Middle Ages, the city rose to fame in the 16th century for its exquisite handicrafts. Today, it boasts the world’s largest surviving stilt-house settlement, known as the “Water Village,” which has earned it the nickname “Venice of the East.”