44 / 246
42
Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2020
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Brunei Darussalam has a strategic location
at the heart of the ASEAN region, enabling
investors to reach a wider market base within
Southeast Asia and beyond. Approximately 650
million people live in the region, a market that
is larger than the whole of the European Union.
The Sultanate provides a gateway to ASEAN,
which is a pathway for creating an economic
community for better movement of trade and
people across the region. Additionally, its
connectivity to the growing economies within
the region makes it an ideal location for export-
oriented activities.
Brunei is located within two to three hours
away from other major ASEAN cities such as
Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta via direct
flights. Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), Brunei’s
national carrier, recently introduced a new fleet
of aircraft to expand its destinations. In 2018,
RB introduced direct flights to London, along
with its plans to enhance its Chinese network by
introducing direct flights to more cities in China.
The following year, RB began operating flights
to Beijing and increased flight frequencies to
its existing markets such as Kuala Lumpur and
Bangkok. The airline also started direct flights to
Tokyo Narita, Japan and recommenced its flights
to Brisbane, Australia for the first time since 2011.
Brunei’s deep-water port, the Muara Port,
is situated along South China Sea’s shipping
routes. The port serves as a container and
conventional terminal. According to Invest
Brunei Darussalam, in terms of shipping
services from Muara Port, there are 13 shipping
lines and connectivity to 15 ports regionally.
The Muara Port is operated by the Muara Port
Company, a joint venture between Darussalam
Assets Sdn Bhd and Beibu Gulf Holding (HK) Co
Ltd. Most of the shipping route covers regional
and international destinations. All trade lanes
include Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia,
Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia,
Myanmar, China, Korea, Japan and other
international connecting ports.