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Brunei

Brunei profile

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(Last updated: 18 May 2010)

 

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Brunei. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

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Country facts

Capital city: Bandar Seri Begawan
Surface area: 6000 sq km
Population: 385,000
Official language(s): Malay
Head of State & Government: HM Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mui'zzaddin Waddaulah
Australian exports to Brunei: A$34 million
Australian imports from Brunei: A$703 million
Brunei's principal export destinations: Japan, Indonesia, Australia
Brunei's principal import sources: Singapore, Malaysia, Japan
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

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Economic climate

Brunei's economy is heavily dependent on revenue from oil and gas. Although prospects for the growth of oil and gas exports are good, the Bruneian economy is vulnerable to movements in global oil prices.


Brunei's merchandise economy is made up of small-scale manufactures in sectors such as: textiles, food products, creameries and beverages, furniture and primary production, for example, forestry, agriculture and fishing.


For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.

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Political climate

The Sultan is the absolute monarch and patriarch of the people. There are three policy councils who all advise the Prime Minister:

  • The Religious Council
  • The Privy Council
  • The Council of Cabinet Ministers

The Parti Perpaduan Kebangsaan Brunei (Brunei National Solidarity Party, PPKB) is currently the only registered political party in Brunei and plays a minimal role in political affairs.

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Trade relations and statistics

Trade and investment is an important focus of Australia’s bilateral relationship with Brunei. Continued development in two-way trade in sectors such as livestock, specialised machinery and equipment and crude petroleum imports is also expected.


The focus of Bruneian investment is largely in the Northern Territory, where the Bruneian Government owns four cattle stations, has equity in two abattoirs, and has a controlling interest in a cattle exporting company.


Brunei is one of four participants in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). The objective of BIMP-EAGA is to secure enhanced growth and development in this sub-region of ASEAN.


Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.

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