Country Profile
From The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2014
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Brunei Darussalam has become an important player in regional politics, as well as a major international energy provider and a significant force in the world of global finance, via its sovereign wealth fund. Its people live in a nation that has sought to preserve traditional culture and appreciation of the environment, which is among the most bio-diverse on the planet. The move towards sharia law may attract some criticism in the months ahead and the Sultanate’s handling of legal issues will be an important test. Ahead of the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, the country’s approach to trade will also stand it in good stead as the region’s nations move towards increased economic integration.

This chapter contains interviews with His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; HRH Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam; and HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and a viewpoint from Datin Seri Paduka Hayati Salleh, Attorney General.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

With a long history as a centre of trade, the country is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities
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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 sovereign wealth fund. Brunei Darussalam’s people live in a nation that has sought to preserve traditional culture and appreciation…

Interview

OBG talks to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
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Interview:His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah How will the Energy White Paper help Brunei Darussalam open the next chapter on this key sector? HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH: Wawasan Brunei 2035, also known as Brunei Vision 2035, seeks to see Brunei Darussalam recognised everywhere for the accomplishments of its well-educated and highly skilled people, the quality of life, and the dynamic, sustainable economy. Having the right strategy and long-term plans for the various activities…

Interview

OBG talks to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
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Interview:His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah How will the Energy White Paper help Brunei Darussalam open the next chapter on this key sector? HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH: Wawasan Brunei 2035, also known as Brunei Vision 2035, seeks to see Brunei Darussalam recognised everywhere for the accomplishments of its well-educated and highly skilled people, the quality of life, and the dynamic, sustainable economy. Having the right strategy and long-term plans for the various activities…

Interview

OBG talks to HRH Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam
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Interview:HRH Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah To what do you attribute the recent strengthening of ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)? PRINCE AL-MUHTADEE BILLAH: Brunei Darussalam has always maintained warm relations with the members of the GCC, with linkages across several dimensions including politics, culture and religion. On the economic side, we share many similar attributes – we are strong in the energy sector and yet we strive to diversify our economies. Thus, this gives…

Interview

OBG talks to HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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Interview:HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah In what ways do bilateral cooperation and international partnerships contribute to Brunei Darussalam’s economic development? PRINCE MOHAMED BOLKIAH: Our economic development is naturally shaped by our membership in ASEAN and by the cooperation we have developed with our fellow members. The Sultanate’s goals for economic diversification, which form a key part of its National Plan, depend a great deal on a positive relationship with our partners from…

Interview

OBG talks to HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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Interview:HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah In what ways do bilateral cooperation and international partnerships contribute to Brunei Darussalam’s economic development? PRINCE MOHAMED BOLKIAH: Our economic development is naturally shaped by our membership in ASEAN and by the cooperation we have developed with our fellow members. The Sultanate’s goals for economic diversification, which form a key part of its National Plan, depend a great deal on a positive relationship with our partners from…

Analysis

New investments and development strategies bode well for multiple sectors and industries
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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 Borneo, Brunei Darussalam has maintained its current form since its independence from the UK in 1984. However, its national identity…

Viewpoint

Maintaining stability: Datin Seri Paduka Hayati Salleh, Attorney General, on the introduction of sharia legal principles
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Brunei Darussalam is a peaceful country, and our people enjoy living in a harmonious environment. This has been the hallmark of our 30 years of independence and has led to stability and prosperity, as well as peace of mind for foreign investors. It is His Majesty’s wish that Brunei Darussalam be pro-business, and great improvements have been made with the coordinated efforts of all sectors in ensuring that businesses can be established faster and more efficiently. The legal infrastructure in Brunei…