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Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2023
Strategic Location
Strategically located at the heart of
the ASEAN region, Brunei Darussalam
enables investors to reach a wider
market base within Southeast Asia
and beyond. Additionally, Brunei’s
connectivity to the growing economies
within the region makes it an ideal
location for export oriented activities.
The Sultanate provides a gateway to
ASEAN and is locatedwithin two to three
hours away from other major cities such
as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta
via direct flights.
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is the country’s
flag carrier and has been serving the
nation since its establishment in 1974.
RB currently operates a fleet of 14
aircraft comprising five Boeing 787-8
Dreamliners, seven Airbus A320NEOs
and two Airbus A320CEOs.
Situated along South China Sea’s
shipping routes is Muara Port, serving as
a container and conventional terminal.
Built in 1973 as a deep water port, Muara
Port is the main international gateway
for trade of Brunei. In addition to its
strategic location, the port has excellent
connectivity along the Belt and Road
Maritime Silk Road, and has the potential
to become a major port hub for the
Eastern Growth Area which includes
Borneo Island, Brunei Darussalam–
Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines
East
ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and
the larger ASEAN region.
Muara Port is operated by Muara
Port Company (MPC), a joint venture
between Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd
andBeibuGulf Holding (HK) CoLtd. Most
of the shipping route covers regional
and international destinations. In October
2022, Muara Port welcomed its new
container feeder vessel in a collaboration
between MPC, Ben Line Agencies (B) Sdn
Bhd and Regional Container Lines Pte Ltd
(RCL), through whichMPC can expand its
regional connectivity and reinforce more
shipping lines into Muara Port.
Investors can leverage on Brunei’s
strategic location and its important
trade routes, as well as its access to
raw materials from BIMP-EAGA and
key markets in Asia Pacific and Oceania
through various free trade agreements.
The country’s recent ratification of the
Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest
free trade agreement, will also open
up further trade and investment
opportunities for Brunei and its partners.