As one of ASEAN’s richest but smallest member states, Brunei Darussalam gained enormously from its decision to join the organisation just a week after gaining independence in 1984. “Joining ASEAN was a way to solidify statehood,” said Bangkok-based regional political analyst Chayut Setboonsarng. “As a small country being part of a regional grouping increases its leverage...
As a small and relatively high-income country with an economy built around oil and gas exports, Brunei Darussalam is quite active in international trade and both inward and outward foreign investment. The bulk of inward foreign investment has come from Brunei Darussalam’s close relationship with AngloDutch oil company Royal Dutch Shell. The firm made the first discovery...
With one of the world’s largest endowments of hydrocarbons relative to the size of its population, Brunei Darussalam has naturally built its economy around the production and export of oil and gas. Energy exports have funded a high general standard of living and substantial outward foreign investment. However, like many of the world’s traditional oil and gas producers,...
One of the most important trends in Brunei Darussalam’s economy is the government’s push to develop small businesses. Although the government has long sought to encourage development of small businesses as part of its efforts to diversify the economy and increase employment opportunities for locals, the effort has intensified in recent years as a demographic bulge of...
While 2014 has held numerous important changes for Brunei Darussalam, the nation has long maintained its unique balance of tradition and modernity. Situated on the South China Sea, the Sultanate shares the island of Borneo with the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the five provinces of Indonesian Kalimantan. As the sole fully sovereign nation on the island of...
With a long and distinguished history, Brunei Darussalam represents stability and continuity in a region subject to rapid change. At the same time, under His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s guidance, the country has also become an important player in regional politics, a major international energy provider and a significant force in the world of global finance, via its...
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×