Current issues in brunei 2025. Exports of downstream petrochemicals and f...

Current issues in brunei 2025. Exports of downstream petrochemicals and fertilisers will support GDP growth, and oil output will be supported by launch of a new offshore oilfield. emzah@jpm. Mar 4, 2025 · Brunei's economy remains strong, with its resilience boosted by comfortable buffers and continued prudent macroeconomic policies. Stay up to date on the latest news, analysis, and commentary in Brunei Darussalam. May 10, 2025 · Explore Brunei's human rights landscape as the UN Human Rights Council calls for a review of restrictive laws. Growth is projected to ease to a more sustainable pace of 2. It discusses the need for ongoing horizon scanning to identify disruptive changes from technological, ecological, social, and political sources. The fiscal deficit narrowed slightly due to higher oil receipts and tax revenue. Mustafa Izzudin As one of the smallest states in Asia, Brunei Darussalam has demonstrated an enduring stability amidst a turbulent global pandemic in 2020. This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. The coastal areas are low-lying (up to 12 meters below sea level) which makes the country more susceptible to the impact of rising sea level. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian U-23 team handed a crushing 8-0 defeat to the Brunei Darussalam team in their opening Group A match of the 2025 ASEAN U-23 Championship at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday. Headline inflation has been declining since ASEAN Ministers Pick Brunei Diplomat as Envoy to Myanmar By Jim Gomez and Eileen Ng After three months of deadlock, the Southeast Asian bloc finally settled on a candidate. Brunei’s short-term growth prospects remain tied to oil and gas prices, but long-term sustainability depends on successful diversification. Feb 29, 2024 · BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Challenges facing the business sector amid global geo-political and geo-economic crises, the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in realising Brunei Vision 2035 and Mar 13, 2026 · Latest Updates ASEAN Participation at Expo 2025 Osaka ASEAN Community Vision 2025 Integrating Countries, Integrating Development To implement the vision, ASEAN strives to maintain peace and stability, integrate the markets, and leave no one behind, through the three Community pillars: Dec 31, 2024 · "As Brunei steps into 2025, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah calls on the nation to unite for inclusive development, empower its youth, and seize opportunities for a brighter future. If the government accelerates reforms and attracts foreign investment into non-energy sectors, Brunei’s economy could strengthen. The politics of Brunei take place in a framework of an absolute monarchy, whereby the Sultan of Brunei is both head of state and head of government. Brunei Economic Outlook 2025 Brunei’s economy expanded by a strong 4. Reduced activities in mining and LNG manufacturing, combined with the negative impact of new pandemic variants on domestic services, led to a slowdown in the economy. Brunei's economy remains strong, with its resilience boosted by comfortable buffers and continued prudent macroeconomic policies. 1. AMRO’s latest regional economic outlook highlighted broad-based growth Sep 1, 2025 · Brunei Darussalam is an absolute monarchy that has resisted decades of international advocacy for democracy and civic rights. It is based on the information available at the time it was completed on August 25, 2023. The World Factbook served the Intelligence Community and the general public as a longstanding, one-stop basic reference about countries and communities around the globe. Natural disasters Climate Jan 22, 2025 · Ahead of Brunei’s Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council in November 2024, UNESCO noted that the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam, revised in 2011, did not contain any articles or provisions on freedom of expression or press freedom, which were limited in Brunei Darussalam through various pieces Brunei Darussalam’s post-pandemic economic recovery remains robust, supported by low inflation and a stable macroeconomic environment. Brunei’s twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12) was officially launched on May 21, outlining BND 4 billion to fund 305 projects to strengthen socioeconomic development between 2024 and 2029. The current-account surplus will decline in 2024 and give way to a deficit in 2025 as liquefied natural gas prices fall sharply in both years. ), Social Protection in East Asia – Current State and Challenges. In June 2025, the Office of the High Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) wrote to the government following the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) adoption at the UN Human Rights Council in March 2025. To continue on its track to sustainable growth using economic diversification, Brunei needs to focus on sectors with high comparative advantages and implement supportive policy and structural reforms. and Brunei concluded their Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in 1850, which is still in effect, the current era of U. A robust National Security Policy is crucial to unify stakeholders, guide coordinated efforts, and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and stability, underpinning the country’s Vision 2035 goals. 3 percent in 2024 despite various uncertainties and is positioned to remain resilient. Aug 13, 2025 · Brunei’s economy saw broad-based growth in 2024, its strongest expansion in decades. 2020 Continuity in the Age of Security Uncertainty: A view from Brunei Continuity in the Age of Security Uncertainty: A view from Brunei From Brunei’s vantage point, the security outlook in 2019 was relatively peaceful and optimistic on the region’s capabilities in managing security challenges. The economy grew by 4. G. Oum and F. Brunei Economic Outlook 2024, Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies, Bandar Seri Begawan. Apr 21, 2025 · Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: Brunei’s economy is projected to grow by 2. The production from the new Salman oilfield offered some partial relief to the Sep 15, 2022 · After successfully weathering the pandemic in 2020, Brunei was hit by new waves of COVID-19, with case numbers going up significantly and new lockdown measures imposed in H2 2021. In January, Singapore’s new president made his first overseas visit to Brunei; in July, the sultan met with Singapore’s deputy prime minister and announced closer bilateral ties. Though there have been some positive developments, its future prosperity may hinge The current Brunei Darussalam Youth Development Index (2018) overall scored 65% (good). The event was attended by over 200 participants from various organisations, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance and Economy, as well as other Oct 11, 2024 · Stay on top of Brunei latest developments on the ground with Al Jazeera’s fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated maps. Mar 5, 2025 · Brunei’s BND 6. 2-per cent economic growth in 2024, its highest growth rate since 1999, the givernment announced on Monday. Breaking news and real-time stock market updates from Seeking Alpha. Over many decades, The World Factbook evolved from a Jun 29, 2021 · Economic pressures and household debt are taking a toll on the Sultanate’s population. 1 percent in 2024, driven by strong rebounds in both upstream and downstream oil and gas (O&G) sectors. Largely dependent on hydrocarbon production, the country has seen declines in crude oil production and tourism. 124-156. May 27, 2025 · Brunei faces widening national security challenges amid globalisation and regional tensions. Bilateral Economic Relations U. International Monetary Fund (IMF) This chapter should be cited as Hajah Sainah binti Haji Saim (2010), ‘Social Protection in Brunei Darusslam – Current State and Challenges’, in Asher, M. Though the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be Brunei’s sternest test in decades, the country appears to have come through it relatively unscathed, and at the end of 2020 was preparing for a post-pandemic period, including assuming the ASEAN In Brunei Darussalam, the current population is 458,949 as of 2023 with a projected increase of 13% to 519,551 by 2050. Sep 2, 2025 · Brunei’s economy is recovering robustly, supported by macroeconomic stability. 6 percent in 2021. The outlook is stable. , S. The Committee would like to acknowledge the collaboration from Ministries, Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations and Key Aug 15, 2024 · The United States and Brunei share a commitment to protecting the environment, and in 2013 Brunei became the first nation in the world to ban all trade relating to sharks. As the nation faces a pivotal decade, systemic inefficiencies and bureaucratic barriers Acknowledgments The publication of the Brunei Darussalam Voluntary National Review Report 2023 was made possible through the support of the Prime Minister’s Office as the Special National Coordination Committee of Sustainable Development Goals, Brunei Darussalam. 3 days ago · The “26,000 Trees Campaign” is one of the initiatives in the Protokol Hijau guidelines, to support the implementation of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP). These projects are scheduled for completion in 2029 and 2025 respectively. It reports on government, social and business events in the country. Brunei’s growth constraints stem from structural and policy factors that limit its long-term development. Parulian (eds. For See the Freedom in the World 2022 score and learn about democracy and freedom in Brunei. Brunei scored 85% (very good) in two out of eight domains of the Youth Development Index rates namely, Health and Social Issues. However, reduced activity in the O&G sector negatively impacted the recovery, despite surging commodity prices. The hydrocarbon-based economic model, which has served the country well for decades, is ripe for change. The meeting was chaired by Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad, Permanent Secretary (Wawasan), and brought together key stakeholders to review progress and set Mar 9, 2025 · The project will involve the Royal Brunei Police Force, Narcotics Control Bureau and the Internal Security Department to further improve response time in dealing with any incident while increasing Aug 25, 2023 · SELECTED ISSUES This paper on Brunei Darussalam was prepared by a staff team of the International Monetary Fund as background documentation for the periodic consultation with the member country. See the Freedom in the World 2024 score and learn about democracy and freedom in Brunei. bn) Feb 4, 2026 · One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. 1 percent y/y in April and May. Structural reforms and diversification remain crucial amid uncertain global conditions. 34 , 2 : pp. Acknowledgements The Brunei Economic Outlook is an annual flagship report of the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS). As of 2025, the country had a population of 466,330, [22] of whom approximately 64,409 resided in the capital and largest city of Bandar Seri Begawan. It was a milestone event that brought together more than 60 experts and officials from across the country’s human, animal and environmental health sectors. The Special National Coordination Committee (SNCC) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Brunei Darussalam held its first meeting for the year 2025 on 25 February at the Prime Minister’s Office. May 15, 2025 · Brunei Darussalam hosted a National Bridging Workshop (NBW) from 22–24 April 2025. A Press Release summarizing the views of the Executive Board as expressed during its September 1, 2021 consideration of the staff report that concluded the Article IV consultation with Brunei Darussalam. firms work in the energy, consulting, and financial services sectors, and U. Nominal GDP does not take into account differences in the cost of living in different countries, and the results can Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo; the remainder of the island is divided between its multi-landmass neighbours of Malaysia and Indonesia. ANTARA FOTO/Aditya Pradana Putra/mrh/foc. 2 per cent in 2024—the country’s strongest economic performance in decades—according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), as reported by Xinhua. Mar 12, 2025 · Bandar Seri Begawan, March 11, 2025 — The 9th-day session of Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo) exposed deep-seated concerns over economic stagnation, employment struggles, and bureaucratic Apr 22, 2022 · Governments attending upcoming regional summits in Malaysia should reject the Myanmar military junta’s plans to hold “elections” in December 2025. This proactive approach acknowledges that informing citizens about environmental issues is pivotal in encouraging both individual and collective action. IMF Brunei is the current country coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations and ASEAN-United Kingdom dialogue relations from 2021-2024. Trump issues tariff notices to 7 minor trading partners, hits Brazil with 50% tariff Jul 10, 2025, 2:39 AM The trinational island of Borneo is facing several new challenges, including the planned construction of Indonesia’s new capital city, political tensions between Malaysia’s federal government and its states of Sabah and Sarawak and economic concerns in Brunei. This paper on Brunei Darussalam was prepared by a staff team of the International Monetary Fund as background documentation for the periodic consultation with the Brunei Darussalam to move it to a 24-month Article IV consultation cycle. The outcomes of the CSPS’s ongoing horizon scanning for emerging issues and trends research summarized here are, therefore, preliminary and should be regularly updated. Mar 29, 2025 · Brunei's economy grew by 4. Aug 13, 2025 · SINGAPORE, August 13, 2025 – Brunei’s economy continues its robust recovery, underpinned by modest inflation and macroeconomic stability. Home Issue 27 Mar. 2 percent growth rate in 2024. Feb 14, 2024 · Brunei's economy has remained stagnant after the COVID-19 pandemic, with no significant growth in 2023. 2 per cent in 2024, with similar growth projected for 2025, driven by a rebound in the oil-and-gas sector (O&G) and an expansion in non-O&G sectors. Adaptation: If you create an adaptation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This is an adaptation of an original work by the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS). Published November , 2025 Brunei Economic Outlook 2024, Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies, Bandar Seri Begawan. Feb 4, 2025 · This chapter uses an institutionalist approach to present an assessment of the key issues Brunei Darussalam currently faces in relation to its pressing need for economic diversification. [2] Due to its geographical location and lengthy coastline, Brunei is exposed to a number of environmental Borneo Bulletin Apr 30, 2025 · The meeting discussed the revision of the Wawasan Brunei 2035 Framework to ensure it is more inclusive of current issues and challenges that are being and will be encountered. 1 billion fiscal deficit raised by legislators. Speaker of the legislative council Haji Abdul Rahman Taib in his closing remarks said 187 questions were raised and answered by government ministers involving over 400 issues ranging from economic, social, education, health and issues Photographers photo site - Amazing Images From Around the World Moved Permanently The document has moved here. Sep 30, 2022 · BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Oceanic threats are not only safety issues but also marine pollution and unsustainable exploitation of maritime resources. Nov 9, 2024 · In recent years, the Brunei government has undertaken significant initiatives to enhance public awareness regarding climate change and its repercussions. Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: degrading treatment or punishment by government authorities; arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media, including censorship; inability of citizens to Aug 1, 2025 · A few domestic organisations work on humanitarian issues, such as assistance for victims of domestic violence or provision of free legal counsel. Browse our archives of magazine articles, interviews, and in-depth essays from experts in Brunei Darussalam. Sep 24, 2024 · Inflation in Brunei has been on the downward trend since September 2022 being the first to hit disinflationary territory post-COVID amongst its regional peers. Brunei’s external position remains strong, underpinned by a large current account surplus and ample foreign reserves. Brunei is facing complex diversification challenges and a protracted post-pandemic recovery. With high vaccination rates, the government started removing COVID-19 restrictions in November 2021 and reopened the borders in June 2022. 35 billion budget remains under scrutiny, with concerns about a BND 3. The outcomes of the research are preliminary and should be regularly updated. Brunei Youth Development Index (2018) - Joint study with Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Stay informed on vital global issues!. At the same time, various frameworks, strategic plans, and skill training programs have also been developed, including ICT competency framework; coding program for young jobseekers; and digital upskilling program. Check out the latest investing news and financial headlines. Dec 2, 2024 · Bold goals, unfulfilled promises, and an urgent call for change—Brunei's Vision 2035 hangs in the balance. -Brunei relations began in 1984 when Brunei became fully independent from the United Kingdom and the U Mar 4, 2025 · Brunei's economy remains strong, with its resilience boosted by comfortable buffers and continued prudent macroeconomic policies. Jun 24, 2024 · The first five-year Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 has been launched to drive and strengthen Brunei’s digitalization momentum. Inflation moderated to 1. Finding state-level solutions to address climate change vulnerabilities that could affect Brunei's future development is the country's current challenge. Brunei Darussalam Mid-Term Review of The ASEAN-Socio Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 (2020) - Joint study with Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Prudent fiscal buffers and a strong external position provide resilience against global headwinds. Examines current issues of economic development in Brunei Questions the “resource curse” versus the “resource blessing” in the context of small state development Traces its journey from an exclusively oil-producing country to a more diversified economy Is an open access book, which means that you have free and unlimited access Brunei is the current country coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations and ASEAN-United Kingdom dialogue relations from 2021-2024. Mar 3, 2025 · Brunei achieved a 4. Mar 3, 2025 · This paper explores the Stand-Alone Proposal to move Brunei Darussalam to a 24-Month Article IV Consultation Cycle from its current 12-Month Cycle. Impacts of climate change Brunei Darussalam has a total size of about 5,765 km2 with a population of roughly 400,000 people. franchises and brands are opening and thriving in Brunei. Book Review: The Literature of Brunei: History, Culture, and Challenges by Ooi Keat Gin and Kathrina Mohd Daud (Eds) Literature & History, Vol. With Feb 17, 2025 · Economic and Investment Outlook 2025 2 MIN READ Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) hosted the Economic and Investment Outlook 2025 on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) Theatre Hall. Jan 20, 2025 · Brunei Darussalam is a Malay Muslim Monarchy located at the heart of Southeast Asia, the focus of the U. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific. Mar 24, 2025 · Brunei’s economic growth rebounded strongly in 2024, driven by a recovery in its upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors after a protracted period of weakness. The ASEAN+3 region maintained stable growth of 4. Brunei is also a negotiating party to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and a signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Discover key insights into the impact on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the path forward for reform. gov. 0 percent in 2025-2026, as upstream and downstream O&G production stabilizes. Understand political and economic developments, regulations and market conditions in Brunei with EIU’s award-winning forecasts, analysis and data. 146 -148. Abstract This paper is based on focused research which was conducted by the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) as part of an ongoing Foresight Study Project2, in order to: (1) identify current and emerging issues as well as trends likely to impact Brunei in the near and medium term future, and (2) prioritise emerging issues and trends in order to provide specific future-oriented Feb 14, 2024 · This empirical puzzle also applies to Brunei, where there is a lack of studies assessing the unique stance of being a claimant state to the South China Sea; however, it coincided with the posture of being a silent claimant. Given that institutional arrangements can hinder or enhance economic growth, the Oct 6, 2023 · 1. Given the current rate of change, only a continual scanning process to identify relevant upcoming issues early on can assist governments and businesses to create responsive and anticipatory decision-making. This document summarizes a journal article that identifies current and emerging trends and issues that could impact Brunei in the near and medium term future. JANUARY 2025 - VOLUME 40 ISSUE 1 BRUNEI DARUSSALAM NEWSLETTER monthly by the Information Department. Brunei is recovering from the impact of the pandemic. This ensures Mar 21, 2025 · BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 21 (Xinhua)-- The first session of Brunei's legislative council meeting in 2025 ended on Thursday after two weeks of discussions. Jul 16, 2025 · Indonesia defeated Brunei Darussalam with a final score of 8-0. While some multilateral platforms for regional and sub-regional security cooperation exist, none focuses on pan-Borneo security Economic diversification will continue under the Vision of Brunei plan Brunei Darussalam’s long-standing efforts at economic diversification showed some progress in In agricultural product exports leveraging its reliable halal certification system the country signed a trade facilitation agreement with Sabah Malaysia for halal food products The economic stagnation raises questions about Brunei’s future prosperity. S. Can Brunei Copy the Gulf States and Reform While It Still Has a Chance? Aug 5, 2025 By Joshua Kurlantzick AP News This web page provides information on official IMF reports and Executive Board documents in English that deal with Brunei Darussalam. Brunei's economy remains strong, with its resilience boosted by comfortable buffers, and Jun 26, 2024 · With the government’s steadfast commitment and a whole-of-nation approach, Brunei can successfully transform itself to becoming a Smart Nation through harnessing the promise of digitalization as the new growth engine. Two main Jan 20, 2025 · EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in Brunei Darussalam during the year. By examining demand-side and supply-side factors, we aim to understand the relative Sep 24, 2024 · 1. The campaign is spearheaded by the government to lead by example in reducing the carbon footprint in addressing the issues of climate change. The chapter also addresses current geopolitical issues and the increasing interconnectivity between Brunei’s international relations and economic diversification as it attempts to attract more Brunei Economic Outlook 2025 Brunei’s economy expanded by a strong 4. While real GDP rebounded moderately, driven mainly by the non-O&G sector, challenges persisted in downstream and upstream O&G production until H1 and Q3 2023, respectively, impacting fiscal and external positions in 2023. Real GDP contracted by 1. Let’s take a quick look into the history of The World Factbook. This appendix seeks to analyze the drivers of inflation in Brunei by employing an augmented Phillips curve model of inflation with global variables. Brunei has been making investments since 2007 to realize the Brunei Vision 2035. May 21, 2025 · Inflation is expected to remain low, averaging just under 1 percent in 2025-26, reflecting lower food and energy prices. As in the 2024 Article IV Consultation, risks remain balanced; global policy uncertainty is mitigated, inter alia, by robust commodity prices. Brunei is the only ruling state with an absolute monarchy in Southeast Asia. Primarily driven by the recovery of the oil and gas sectors which had been in decline since 2020, this performance exceeded expectations of an average 3 percent growth rate among domestic and regional forecasts. May 25, 2025 · Photos: Faiq Airudin. All money values are expressed in Brunei dollars $, unless otherwise stat EDITORIAL Advisory Board: Siti Bismi Nuruliman Awang Emzah (bismi. ERIA Research Project Report 2009-9, Jakarta: ERIA. Although the U. The revision aims to Brunei, along with the Philippines and Myanmar, is a ‘Country Champion’ for the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SMEs Development 2016–2025 goal to promote entrepreneurship and human capital development in the community. Vulnerability assessment have shown that the country has a medium to high climate change exposure. Mar 19, 2025 · The nation’s aspirations for long-term prosperity and global competitiveness, outlined in Wawasan Brunei 2035, will remain challenging without effective economic diversification and job creation. Brunei faces a significant issue: the decline of its natural oil and gas reserves. [2] Countries are sorted by nominal GDP estimates from financial and statistical institutions, which are calculated at market or government official exchange rates. Gross domestic product (GDP) is the market value of all final goods and services from a nation in a given year. Fiscal challenges persist due to global energy volatility. pp. Long seen as an anachronism, its autocratic order—anchored in expansive welfare, personalized rule, and discursive legitimation through the doctrine of “Melayu Islam Beraja”—now resonates with broader trends of emphasizing sovereignty, ethno-national tradition Brunei’s trade balance returned to surplus following strong exports of crude oil and other petroleum and chemical products in March and April, despite record-high levels of mineral fuel imports. Aug 1, 2025 · This AMRO Annual Consultation Report on Brunei Darussalam for 2025 was peer-reviewed by a group of economists from AMRO’s Country Surveillance, Financial Surveillance, and Fiscal Surveillance teams; endorsed by the Policy and Review Group; and approved by Dr Dong He, AMRO Chief Economist. 6 per cent in both 2025 and 2026, following a robust expansion of 4. Jan 1, 2025 · The monarch expressed confidence that Brunei will continue to build on its strong relationships with neighbouring countries and international partners. "Volume 2025 (2025): Issue 059 (Mar 2025): Brunei Darussalam: Stand-Alone Proposal to Move Brunei Darussalam to a 24-Month Article IV Consultation Cycle from its Current 12-Month Cycle" published on 04 Mar 2025 by International Monetary Fund. pogu myffo xsr ddmi aguovhw cmmfsq mumy cjhfqc axokvv gnjvy