Brunei Darussalam

At a time when a majority of asset classes and countries look vulnerable to yet unforeseen financial shocks, the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam provides plenty of compelling reasons for foreign investors looking for a safe financial haven.

Even as the external environment continues to pose fresh challenges, Brunei appears to be one of the most resilient countries in South East Asia benefiting from new policy initiatives and government-backed projects.

Brunei has recently moved to bolster its position as a regional power in Islamic finance, strengthening legislation to regulate the sector, promote competition and encourage overseas investment in the country's banking and insurance industry while at the same time protecting it against a fallout from the global economic crisis.

Brunei officials have flagged a new programme of reforms aimed at speeding up the pace of establishing a business, cutting bureaucratic red tape and gaining access to valuable land resources.

Brunei is one step closer to becoming a major regional cargo and transshipment centre, following the signing of agreements with two international companies to develop a large deepwater container facility.

Brunei has announced an ambitious programme to solve the country's housing shortage, one that could also provide a major boost both to the construction industry and to the building materials sector.