The National Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "CNTA") and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam (hereinafter referred to as "MIPR"), hereinafter jointly referred to as "Both Parties",

Desiring to further develop and enhance friendly cooperation between the two countries;

Noting the concerns of Both Parties to ensure responsible and ethical tourism;

With a view to ensuring that the outbound travel by Chinese citizens at their own expense to Brunei Darussalam could develop in a healthy manner;

Have reached the following understanding:

Article 1

1. Both Parties agree to designate a number of creditable travel agencies respectively to conduct outbound travel by Chinese citizens at their own expense to Brunei Darussalam:

a. CNTA will designate 65 travel agencies, the name list of which attached herewith as Annexure I. The list of the 65 designated travel agencies will be provided to MIPR and the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in China.

b. MIPR will designate 34 designated travel agencies, the name list of which is attached herewith as Annexure II. The list of the 34 designated travel agencies will be provided to CNTA and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Brunei Darussalam.

c. Both Parties will inform each other in writing of any change to the lists of designated travel agencies in time.

2. In order to implement the outbound travel by Chinese citizens at their own expense to Brunei Darussalam defined by this Memorandum of Understanding, Both Parties agree to require their respective designated travel agencies to establish business relations only with designated travel agencies of the other Party and sign business contracts with each other.

3. Both Parties agree to enhance cooperation to protect the legal interests of tourists. If any designated travel agency is found to have violated the interests of tourists, Both Parties will take appropriate measures against the relevant designated travel agencies.


Article 2

1. Both Parties agree that the outbound travel by Chinese citizens to Brunei Darussalam shall be conducted in the form of tour groups. Each tour group shall consist of a minimum of five (5) persons. The tourists must enter and exit borders in groups.

2. Both Parties agree that the Chinese travel agencies shall provide a tour leader for each tour group.

3. Both Parties agree that a tour guide shall be assigned for each tour group throughout the group's itinerary in Brunei by the receiving designated travel agencies of Brunei Darussalam.


Article 3

1. The designated Chinese travel agencies are required to submit the following when applying for entry visas for their outbound tour groups to Brunei Darussalam:

a. A covering letter by the designated travel agent's representative;

b. A name list of the tour group;

c. Visa application forms for each member of the tour group;

d. Valid passport of each member of the tour group;

e. Visa application fee for each member of the tour group; and

f. Two passport sized photographs for each member of the tour group.

2. Both Parties agree that the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in China shall only accept visa applications from the travel agencies designated by CNTA. If tourist visas were issued by the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in China to units or individuals other than the designated Chinese travel agencies, CNTA would not be responsible for any problems that may consequently arise in Brunei Darussalam.

3. Each of the CNTA designated travel agency shall appoint a courier for the application of the visa for the tour group. Both Parties agree that the CNTA issued ID carried by the courier shall be recognized by the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in China for the purpose of verifying the courier's status as being from one of the CNTA designated travel agencies. The Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in China shall facilitate the work of the visa couriers.


Article 4

1. Both Parties shall require the designated travel agencies to inform each tour group of the laws and regulations of Brunei Darussalam.

2. In the event that a member of a tour group contravenes any of the immigration rules and regulations, the expense of repatriation shall be borne by that member. If the person is not able to pay for the expenses, the receiving Brunei travel agency shall pay first and get reimbursement from the sending Chinese travel agency.


Article 5

1. Any change or modification to this Memorandum of Understanding shall be mutually agreed upon by Both Parties in written form.

2. In the event of any dispute or disagreement in the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding, Both Parties shall resolve the matter amicably by consultation or negotiation in the spirit of cordiality and mutual respect.

3. After the relevant preparatory work is done, CNTA will inform MIPR of the date to implement this Memorandum of Understanding. Thereafter, Both Parties will implement this Memorandum as soon as possible.

Done in Bandar Seri Begawan on November 17th, 2000 in two original copies in the Chinese and English languages, both texts being equally authentic.