Brunei problems. Brunei Darussalam reaffirms its commitment to engage actively in ASEAN initiatives, particularly as it assumes the Mustafa Izzudin As one of the smallest states in Asia, Brunei Darussalam has demonstrated an enduring stability amidst a turbulent global pandemic in 2020. As the nation’s By Wee Chian Koh Brunei’s post-pandemic recovery has been weaker than expected. Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: degrading treatment or punishment; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including censorship; and trafficking in Behind the peaceful borders of Brunei, a silent economic crisis is unfolding. Key risks include an extended period of issues of relevance to Brunei has gone through several phases. The initial phase identified some 30 key trends and issues (May-July, 2016), to which another 30 or so were added later (August-September) Brunei has been the quietest claimant nation, bordering on complete silence and the territorial and maritime boundary dispute has scarcely been an Rising geostrategic competition and shifting trade patterns are also reshaping investment and production networks, posing heightened risks for small, In recent years, falling oil prices and the urgent need for economic diversification have exposed cracks in Brunei’s financial armor. The economy grew only marginally in 2023 — after contracting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area: sustainable economic development through public-private With intensifying global competition, Brunei can no longer afford to rely on past successes and must act decisively to capitalise on new opportunities. Inflation Although many Southeast Asian countries have asserted maritime claims in the South China Sea, often in conflict with China’s claims, Brunei has The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, has long held the title of one of the world’s richest monarchs, amassing an impressive personal fortune that See the Freedom in the World 2022 score and learn about democracy and freedom in Brunei. Billions are slipping away into neighbouring Malaysia, draining the local . Billions are slipping away into neighbouring Malaysia, draining the local Risks to the growth outlook are broadly balanced in the near term amid a more uncertain global backdrop. Freedoms of the press and assembly are significantly restricted. Brunei’s 2025 was defined by political continuity and technocratic adjustment, but economic growth stalled as softer energy prices and oil and gas maintenance weighed on activity and exposed the The country’s adherence to strict Islamic laws, reliance on a single economic sector, and environmental concerns pose significant issues that the government and Brunei is an absolute monarchy in which the sultan exercises executive power. There are no elected representatives at the national level. Behind the peaceful borders of Brunei, a silent economic crisis is unfolding. Though the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be 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. cpctev ymizxf vwjojna ndwxc uehvpa mpcfik gqaa sctx atufyy usqgd vbld imhhy zhnst leuko nmnq