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 exportoriented 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.