Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam’s reputation as a champion of environmental protection and natural resource management is proving a boon as the country enters the “value-added timber” market, meaning timber that is already processed into goods.

Brunei’s economy appears set for a period of consolidation and moderate if steady growth as the government combines careful management of energy resources with timely investments aimed at spurring expansion in the coming years.

Brunei and Malaysia have agreed that joint demarcation and survey activities can begin next year on previously disputed offshore oil and gas blocks. The move draws a clearer picture of the role international companies will play in a development expected to significantly boost the Sultanate’s reserves.

With some of the most unspoilt rainforest left anywhere on Earth and a firm commitment by the government to keep them that way, Brunei Darussalam’s pristine ecosphere has great potential to boost its tourism sector. It also presents a range of scientific research and development opportunities that could generate spin-offs in a number of industries.

Brunei Darussalam is getting a new monetary authority, a move that will cheer both the business and banking communities, which have long awaited such a development.

Faced with a shortage of land for urban development, industry and agriculture, and a rising population, Brunei Darussalam is considering promoting the construction of vertical residential units to overcome the country’s housing shortage.