• BORNEO BULLETIN YEARBOOK 2025
April 23, 2025 admin

TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS SERVICES

Driving Diversification Through Sustainable Growth

The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) supports the nation’s Brunei Vision 2035 for a dynamic and sustainable economy by working closely with the public and private sectors to drive diversification through long-term, sustainable growth.

BEDB fulfills its three core functions— attracting and facilitating foreign and domestic investments, supporting enterprise innovation and growth, and developing industrial sites and infrastructure—through its dedicated units: Investment Promotion & Facilitation (FAST), Enterprise Development (DARe), and Industrial Site Management (ISM).

The integration of these functions enables private sector growth, job creation, and greater internationalisation, ultimately driving higher GDP contribution. As successful diversification depends on sectoral development, BEDB aligns with Brunei’s Economic Blueprint, which outlines five priority sectors: Downstream Oil and Gas, Food, ICT, Services, and Tourism.

Attracting and Facilitating Foreign Investment

As global foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and trade rebound post- pandemic, Brunei is strengthening its position as a strategic base for businesses looking to expand into Southeast Asia and beyond.

BEDB actively supports foreign direct investments (FDIs) through its Investors’ Concierge service, streamlining feasibility studies, licensing, and market integration. In 2024, BEDB organised and participated in various investment promotion activities to expand international engagement, while also welcoming several new investment projects. Highlights include the inaugural Investment Seminar in Chennai, India, which generated substantial interest and led to a reciprocal business delegation visiting Brunei later in the year.

Brunei’s environmental stability further enhances its attractiveness, with 70 per cent of its land covered in pristine rainforests and no history of major natural disasters, making it an ideal location for long-term operations. Beyond its natural advantages, Brunei’s favourable tax regime, transparent regulatory framework, and access to over three billion consumers through free trade agreements create a competitive business environment for companies seeking regional and global expansion.

Supporting Enterprise Innovation and Growth

Local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a pivotal role in Brunei’s economic diversification by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening local industry participation.

BEDB’s Enterprise Development strategy enhances MSME competitiveness across different business stages, including early-stage micro-enterprises, startups, established local brands, and businesses with export potential.

Through DARe, BEDB provides tailored programmes such as business training, market access initiatives, and financing options, ensuring businesses receive the right support at each stage of their growth. Over the next five years, a key focus is helping local enterprises become fully export-ready, enabling them to successfully enter overseas markets.

Fit-For-Purpose Industrial Infrastructure

BEDB develops and manages industrial sites across Brunei, providing a conducive environment for over 500 businesses, including MSMEs and FDIs. These sites are strategically designed to support business growth, foster industry synergies, andintegrate enterprises into key value chains.

Through ISM, BEDB ensures businesses have access to well-planned industrial spaces with essential infrastructure, making it easier for investors to establish and expand operations. Ongoing enhancements focus on sustainability, efficient land use, and industry clustering to maximise resources and drive long-term economic growth.

By continuously improving industrial parks and supporting sector-specific developments, BEDB remains committed to creating an enabling environment where enterprises can thrive and contribute to Brunei’s economic diversification.