Brunei Darussalam

As Barbados's insurance industry looks to grow beyond its own borders, it is setting its sights on attracting more foreign players to the island's captive insurance market.

In an effort to reduce the sultanate's reliance on imported foods and increase agricultural production, Brunei is working on a combination of state support, improved technology and higher investments to ensure the nation's food security.

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.