Additional Brunei resources
Understanding how economics, politics and government intersect can help businesses navigate the Brunei market with confidence. This chapter outlines key institutions, economic zones, essential contacts and support resources for business success.
Country information
Politics and government
In Brunei, the Sultan is the head of the state and exercises full executive authority and sole power to amend laws. His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah is the Sultan of Brunei and remains one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs. The Sultan is the Prime Minister of the country and heads the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. In 1984, the legislative council was suspended and since then the Sultan has been the Prime Minister ruling through a long-standing emergency decree.
The Sultan is assisted by a set of councils including the Council of Cabinet Ministers, the Religious Council, the Council of Succession, the Privy Council and the Legislative Council. In 2005, Brunei’s legislative council was replaced with appointed members who are permitted to introduce bills subject to approval by the Sultan who exercises absolute power.
Brunei has not had national elections since 1962. There is no opposition and the country’s only legal political party is the Parti Pembangunan (National Development Party).
Legal system
Brunei has two judicial systems, a Supreme Court and a parallel Islamic Court dealing with Islamic law. For Muslims, Islamic law supersedes civil law in specific areas.
The country’s judicial system is based on English common law. The Supreme Court oversees the Court of Appeal and the High Court, while the subordinate court comprises the Magistrates’ courts. The Intermediate Court has civil and criminal jurisdiction and does not deal with capital offences. The Court of Appeal hears appeals and is the final court for criminal cases. Civil appeals can be made to the Privy Council in the United Kingdom. The Sultan appoints judges for terms of three years.
Brunei’s government structure
Key government agencies
Key government agencies and industry associations will need to be consulted throughout the process of setting up a business in Brunei. Some of these agencies can also be useful for providing advice and initiating contacts.
The main agencies and their areas of authority relating to foreign businesses are:
| Government agency | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) | Responsible for economic, trade, fiscal and monetary policies |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) | Manages and promotes Brunei’s foreign policy and partnerships |
| Ministry of Home Affairs | Cabinet level ministry overseeing the country’s administrative divisions, labour-related matters and immigration affairs |
| Ministry of Development | Responsible for the maintenance and development of infrastructure, land use, environment, public works and enforcing land laws |
| Department of Energy, Prime Minister’s Office | Responsible for the energy industry |
| Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) | Responsible for developing Brunei’s economic interests including attracting FDI and strengthening local businesses |
| Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) | Responsible for agriculture, agribusiness, food security, fisheries, forestry, environmental protection and tourism |
| Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications | Responsible for civil aviation, land and maritime transport, telecommunications and meteorology |
| Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) | Supervising banking and financial institutions, maintaining stability by controlling currency and regulating the country’s monetary policy |
| Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) | Responsible for the registration and protection of intellectual property |
Free trade and special economic zones
Brunei’s free trade zones aim to attract FDI and stimulate the country’s economy.
Foreign investors and companies setting up business in Brunei’s SEZ are eligible for fiscal and nonfiscal incentives. The BEDB and Brunei Industrial Development Authority govern companies operating in free trade zones.
Brunei has four districts namely Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong and Temburong. It is home to 25 industrial parks, of which 16 are located in Brunei-Muara in close proximity to the Muara port and airport. Pulau Muara Besar and Telisai Industrial parks are the only mega industrial parks.
Of Brunei’s 25 industrial parks, 24 are General Economic Zones (GEZs) and one is a Special Economic Zone. The Terunjing Industrial Site, a SEZ, helps light and medium industries to store, manufacture, handle and re-export goods.
The Pulau Muara Besar Export Zone is a free trade zone in Brunei. It provides subsidised industrial space, warehousing, a deep-sea water port and tax incentives including exemption from corporate tax for 15 years.
Free Trade Zones in Brunei
The Philippines-Australia bilateral relationship
Australia and Brunei have a long-standing relationship based on shared economic and trade interests, mutual respect and strong links. There also exists strong cooperation in education, defence and security. With the signing of the Defence Memorandum of Understanding in 1985, the two countries have undertaken bilateral military exercises, policy discussions and training programs.
The two countries participate in key regional trade agreements. Brunei and Australia are members of the APEC, AANZFTA, CPTPP, IPEF, RCEP and WTO. Through ASEAN led forums and initiatives, Australia and Brunei continue to collaborate on a wide range of topics ranging from economic interests to national security and defence.
Further information on the bilateral relationship is available from DFAT.
Brunei Darussalam’s profile of economic zones.
ICT = Information and Communication Technology
1 Pulau Muara Besar, Salambigar, Digital Junction, Bio-Innovation, Anggerek Desa Tech Park, Terujing Free Trade Zone, Lambak Kanan, Lambak, Telisai, and Serambangun.
2 Bukit Panggal, Telisai, and Serambangun.
3 Sungai Liang, Pekan Belait, Mumong, Sungai Duhon, and Sungai Bera. Recently, Pekan Belait and Sungai Duhon are integrated. Belait now has four industrial sites.
4 Batu Apoi.
Useful contacts and support resources
Government organisations
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
DFAT manages Australia’s international network, including in Brunei. Australia has a High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Austrade is the Australian Government agency responsible for facilitating international trade and investment. Austrade can provide advice on the market, potential in-market partners and export marketing services.
Export Finance Australia (EFA)
EFA provides information, support and export finance solutions to Australian businesses looking to expand overseas.
State government agencies
Many state government agencies have overseas representatives or offices. Western Australia has a representative office for education in Manila, while other states, such as New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, have offices that cover the ASEAN region.
Business and industry associations
Export Council of Australia
The Export Council of Australia is the peak industry body for the Australian export community.
Programs and support
Go Global Toolkit
Austrade's Go Global Toolkit provides information, tools and support to grow your business globally through a range of digital platforms for every stage of the export journey.
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
Austrade seeks to help small to medium Australian enterprises grow their exports in international markets through their EMDG grant program.
Industry Growth Program
The Industry Growth Program supports innovative SMEs undertaking commercialisation or growth projects in the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
State or territory government trade and investment agencies may also run programs and provide support to businesses looking to expand into international markets. Please consult your relevant state or territory agency for more information.
References
A select list of sources used in the development of this publication are included below.
Asian Development Bank
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Attorney General’s Chambers Brunei
Brunei Darussalam Central Bank
Brunei Resources
Brunei Darussalam National Single Window
Brunei Intellectual Property Office
Cyber Security Brunei
Dezan Shira and Associates
Deheng Law
DataReportal
Department of Labour Brunei
Department of Energy Brunei
DBS
Deloitte
Economist Intelligence Unit
Euromonitor
EY
Freedom House
Global Organised Crime Index
Healy Consultants
Heritage Foundation
IMF
Ministry of Finance and Economy Brunei
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Brunei
Ministry of Development Brunei
Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications Brunei
McKinsey & Company
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
PWC
Petroleum Authority of Brunei
The Heritage Foundation
Transparency International
S&P Global
Stanbic Bank
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
US ASEAN Business Council
US Chamber of Commerce
US Department of State
US International Trade Administration
Brunei Government (various sources)
We Are Social
World Bank
A note on currency
All money amounts are in Australian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Exchange rate used is the historical rate for the previous 12 months.
1 USD = 1.524932 AUD
1 BND = 1.131075 AUD
Acknowledgements
Asialink Business gratefully acknowledges the assistance and information from the following organisations in the production of this Doing Business Guide:
Austrade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Dr Nur Rahman
Several businesspeople provided anonymous review. We extend to them our sincere appreciation.
Disclaimer
This publication contains country and industry general information and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. While all efforts have been made by Asialink Business to ensure that the data and information provided herein are accurate, the accuracy of the information in the future cannot be guaranteed.
Users of this document should undertake their own independent analysis and obtain appropriate professional advice, if required, before acting upon such information in any given situation. Asialink Business accepts no liability for any loss which may arise from the use of the information contained in this publication.
Reproduction of any part of this publication without prior written approval of Asialink Business is strictly prohibited. The information in this document is accurate as of June 2026.