Friday, February 05, 2010
 About (Brunei Darussalam)
BRUNEI GOVERNMENT

LAND AND PEOPLE

    Located 443km north of the Equator, the country’s land area covers 5,765 sq km. It faces the South China Sea on Borneo’s north western shore and shares a common border with the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. There are four districts: Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong and Belait. The Climate is equatorial: hot, humid and wet all year round.

    Brunei Darussalam’s population grew at an annual average rate of 2.7% from 211,400 in 1984 to 330,700 in 1999. It comprises of two-thirds Malay and the rest are other indigenous peoples, Chinese and expatriates. Malay is the official language but English is widely used. Though the official religion is Islam, other faiths are also practiced.


CULTURE

FOREIGN POLICY

    Foreign Policy

    ASEAN remains as the cornerstone of Brunei Darussalam's foreign policy.

    Asia Pacific - APEC and relations among members of the associations.

    Bilateral relations with other countries.

    The United Nations, Commonwealth, OIC and other international organisations.


    Relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States of America



    President George W. Bush meets with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei in the Oval Office Monday, Dec. 16. White House photo by Tina Hager.

Brunei Darussalam’s relations with the United States can be traced back to the 1850s, when Brunei Darussalam signed an agreement with the United States on the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce. In this Treaty, Brunei Darussalam has been recognized as an independent nation and in return, the United States has been given the status of a consular exequaturs.

Diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States was formalized on the 10th March 1984. Relations were further enhanced when both countries set up their embassies at the two capitals respectively. Relations between the two countries continue to strengthen and involve cooperation in many areas such as political, economic and defense either bilaterally or cooperation through international organisations.

Joint Statement Between the United States of America and Negara Brunei Darussalam


EDUCATION SYSTEM


TRADE AND INVESTMENT

    Brunei Darussalam welcomes foreign investment.

    Foreign investors are invited to actively participate in the current economic diversification programme of the country. T

    The programme hinges on the development of the private sector. The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, which was formed in 1989, has the responsibility of promoting and facilitating industrial development in Brunei Darussalam.

    (Further details at http://www.industry.gov.bn and http://www.brunei.gov.bn/about_brunei/business.htm)

    Agro-Technology Park - Brunei Darussalam

    The Brunei Agro Technology Park is one of major new development promoted by the Government of Brunei Darussalam through the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources as part of its diversification strategy to promote sectors other than oil and oil-based activities.

    The Park will attracts research and innovative technology applications with a particular focus on life sciences-based activities in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

    One of the first anchor developments will be Brunei's new Halal Science Center, a research-institute which is designed to become one of the main global centres of excellence in Halal-related activities.

    The Park will also be a venue for the Food Development Centre, a research and innovation for value-added processing of agricultural products and Agribusiness Incubator, which will facilitate the set up of agribusiness companies in order to tap the scientific and managerial resources and develop into viable ventures.

    There will be opportunities for occupants to have preferential access to knowledge and technology services associated with Brunei Halal brand. The Brunei Halal Brand is to commit to the obligation of 'Fardhu Kifayah' with an effort to increasing the number of Halal food that can be consumed by Muslims.

    Brunei welcomes foreign investment and offers them a range of incentives including exemption from income tax, imported goods (equipment and raw materials) and opportunities to carry forward losses and allowances. Particular benefits are given to businesses which are granted pioneer status. Brunei is flexible towards foreign equity retirements.

    A foreign investment project could either be wholly owned or as a joint venture and should engage in a modern intensive enterprise with strong orientation for export.

    For further enquires:

    Agro-Technology Park Unit,

    Department of Agriculture,

    Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources,

    Old Airport, Berakas,

    Bandar Seri Begawan, BB3510,

    Brunei Darussalam

    Tel: + 673 238-8000     Fax: + 673 238-2226

    Website: www.agriculture.gov.bn

    Email: agrotecpark@industry.gov.bn

    Brunei Wafirah Holding SDN BHD (BRUNEI WAFIRAH)

    BRUNEI WAFIRAH is a wholly government owned company. As a brand owner of Brunei Halal Brand, BRUNEI WAFIRAH shall grant a license to use the Brunei Halal brand trademark to the newly established commercial company, Ghanim International Food Corporation SDN BHD.

    Ghanim International Food Corporation SDN BHD (GHANIM)

    GHANIM will provide a comprehensive supply-chain management system for the export of food certified as being hala, through Brunei Darussalam's Halal Certification process, packaged and marketed under the Brunei Halal Brand. Ghanim will also be responsible for the management, marketing and promotion of Halal products under the Brunei Halal Brand. In doing so, Ghanim shall ensure that it is implementing the highest standard in food safety management.

    Brunei Darussalam Halal Science Centre

    The establishment of a Halal Science centre is in line with Brunei Darussalam's aspire to develop its ability to provide accreditation services for Brunei Halal Certification process and Brunei Halal brand projects. This initiative will streamline Brunei's current capabilities in research and development and also in analytical services together with world-class technologies and expertise to achieve the ultimate aspiration.

    Government agencies involved in this project are Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, particularly University Brunei Darussalam.

    The proposed Halal Science Centre will be located at the Agro Technology Park in Kampong Tungku, Gadong. This centre will accommodate offices, buildings and laboratories.

    For further inquiries: Halal Science Centre Unit, Brunei Halal Brand Development Division, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources, Old Airport, Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan, BB3510, Brunei Darussalam

    Tel: +673 2388000

    Fax: +673 2382226


BRUNEI TOURISM

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