Diversity drive
Page 18
Government revenues have declined as a result of the global oil market slowdown, and the 2016/17 budget reflects this. However, moves to increase foreign investment and support economic diversification also factor into the government’s spending plans, with non-oil growth becoming increasingly critical, as evidenced by allocations to education, infrastructure, and research and development.
SNAPSHOT
6 Brunei Darussalam in figures
COUNTRY PROFILE
10 A new direction: Economic diversification and the development of human capital are central to plans going forward
13 Traditions and change: Fusing a conservative approach with economic development
16 Interview: Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General, ASEAN
ECONOMY
18 Diversity drive: Two mega-projects and investment in the non-energy sectors aim to broaden the economy and impact GDP growth
23 Effective measures: Reforms in the Sultanate saw its World Bank ease of doing business ranking rise in 2016
25 Interview: Dato Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance; and Chairman, Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB)
26 Viewpoint: Andrew Robb, the Australian Government’s Special Envoy for Trade
27 Rationalising costs: With reduced oil and gas revenues, the Sultanate is reforming the public sector and diversifying its economy
Targeted approach
Page 31
Brunei Darussalam maintains a trade surplus, but exports contracted in 2015, and the outlook for 2016 is subdued. The Sultanate’s diversification measures continue, with manufacturing and industrial exports set to increase their contribution to total trade in the coming years. A series of regulatory reforms are also under way as authorities move to attract new FDI in strategically important industries.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
31 Targeted approach: Regulator reforms are under way to attract foreign investment in key industries
35 Interview: Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade
36 Economic benefits: A new trade agreement is expected to underpin diversification efforts
Plan of action
Page 39
Hydrocarbons continue to dominate the economy, but with oil and gas prices at a sustained low, significant strain is being placed on expenditure and investment. Despite this, ongoing upgrades to existing production coupled with government efforts to diversify into renewable energy are expected to support long-term expansion and attract investment.
ENERGY
39 Plan of action: A changing marketplace has led to a host of initiatives spearheaded by both the government and the private sector
47 A natural leader: Partnerships with major international oil companies have helped the country cope with a fall in natural gas prices
49 Neighbourly relations: By working with its ASEAN partners the Sultanate is identifying new avenues for growth and collaboration
51 Waste not, want not: Subsidies have long been a staple, but the government is encouraging its citizens to reduce consumption
53 Embracing renewables: Confronting the reality of climate change has become a priority
INDUSTRY
56 Turning tides: New strategies should lead to expanded opportunities
60 Halal growth: A new development cluster will unlock local potential
Making headway
Page 62
The country’s small but significant banking sector has remained remarkably healthy throughout the global economic downturn, boasting total assets of $12.1bn as of December 2015. While consolidation has led to a drop in lenders, a trend that is likely to continue, the country’s banks remain some of the strongest in the region, with high levels of liquidity and well-managed non-performing loans. Islamic banks are key to the country’s economy and have overtaken their conventional rivals in popularity, a feature that makes the Sultanate’s banking sector unique among its Asian peers.
BANKING
62 Making headway: Ongoing changes are improving standards in the sector
67 Interview: Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Managing Director, Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD)
68 Interview: Pierre Imhof, CEO, Baiduri Bank
69 Balancing act: New policies should shore up the sector against challenges
70 Interview: Ajay Kanwal, Regional CEO, ASEAN and South Asia, Standard Chartered
ISLAMIC FINANCIAL SERVICES
72 Major player: As the country moves towards sharia law, the sector is poised to grow in importance and scope
76 Interview: Javed Ahmad, Former Managing Director, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD)
78 New moves: Islamic bonds expand the country’s financial base
INSURANCE
80 Resilient growth: Low penetration rate offers room for expansion, while takaful is steadily increasing its market share
85 Calling Asia Pacific: Efforts to standardise and liberalise the regional insurance market continue
86 Interview: Osman Jair, Managing Director, Insurans Islam TAIB; and Chairman, Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association (BITA)
Charting a new course
Page 88
Technology’s potential to ensure social development has led to the initiation of various ICT infrastructure projects in the Sultanate. These undertakings include ICT consolidation for the efficient running of government and the delivery of e-services to Bruneians, with both initiatives aligned with the goals set out in the strategic vision, Wawasan Brunei 2035.
ICT
88 Charting a new course: The government has established ambitious goals to help private firms build their businesses on the back of new infrastructure
91 It starts at home: Building a local ICT workforce is a critical step in developing the sector’s long-term prospects
92 Interview: Pengiran Zain, Chief Executive, Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI)
Pulling its weight
Page 94
An overhaul of the country’s public transport segment is currently under way, as the government implements initiatives such as bus rapid transit to reduce car dependency. The most high-profile transport project on the horizon currently, Temburong Bridge, will connect the two sides of the country currently separated by Brunei Bay and the Limbang district of Malaysia.
TRANSPORT
94 Pulling its weight: Falling oil prices drive sector development
98 Interview: Dermot Mannion, Former Deputy Chairman, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB)
99 Change in the air: The flag carrier looks forward after a major overhaul
102 Avoiding gridlock: The government is searching for ways to reduce the population’s car dependency
Thinking big
Page 104
Large-scale construction projects being rolled out in Brunei Darussalam look set to make a significant contribution to the national economy, greatly facilitating the Sultanate’s connectivity and potentially leading to further substantial construction opportunities. Adding to this is the government’s focus on a green building drive to modernise industry practices.
CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE
104 Thinking big: A new manufacturing hub and a bridge linking both sides of the country promise to bring big economic benefits
109 Part of the community: The Sultanate is benefitting from new agreements and commitments within the region
111 Interview: Bobby Chua, Vice-Chairman, Swee
112 Renovations under way: Development plans for Bandar Seri Begawan are set to create new opportunities
117 House and home: Changes in property ownership laws affect the real estate market
AGRICULTURE
120 Seeds of growth: The Sultanate is exploring diverse means of assuring food security, including agro-industry and rice cultivation
124 Interview: Dato Ali Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism
126 Fruits of the sea: Fishing and aquaculture hold great promise for the economy
Distinct advantages
Page 128
The elevation of tourism to ministerial status in 2015 reflects the government’s hope that the industry can become a key driver of GDP growth.Building sustainably on the country’s strong Islamic tourism and ecotourism offerings is seen as key in raising international visitor numbers and revenue.
TOURISM & CULTURE
128 Distinct advantages: Focusing on key niches to increase tourism receipts as the government looks to boost the non-oil economy
133 Opportunity awaits: The Sultanate is building on its Islamic tourism offering
134 Interview: Mario Hardy, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
135 Preserving paradise: Temburong prepares for an influx of visitors
137 China calling: A number of initiatives set to boost tourist numbers
TAX
KPMG
141 Refining the system: Useful tax updates for businesses
146 Viewpoint: Shazali Sulaiman, Partner, KPMG Brunei Darussalam; and Chairman, Brunei Darussalam International Chambers of Commerce and Industry
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Dr Colin Ong Legal Services
149 Law of the land: A breakdown of the country’s legal environment
156 Viewpoint: Colin Ong, Managing Partner, Dr Colin Ong Legal Services; and President, Arbitration Association Brunei Darussalam (AABD)
THE GUIDE
160 A good night’s sleep: Accommodation options
163 Listings: Phone numbers for local services
164 Facts for visitors: Useful information for new arrivals
Read More from OBG
