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.
ASEAN countries have a total population of over 660 million, a market larger than the whole of the European Union. The Sultanate provides a gateway and is located within two to three hours from other major ASEAN 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. In 2018, RB officially launched its new fleet of aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation programme, opening a new phase to further regional growth.
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 country’s largest port and the main international gateway for trade of Brunei.
Muara Port is operated by 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, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, Korea, Japan and other international connecting ports.
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.
Taking these factors into consideration, Brunei can be an ideal destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) companies to establish their regional trading, processing and distribution operations to cover the market within BIMPEAGA, ASEAN, China and Australia among others.
Copyright 2019 Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2019 All rights reserved.