I. BASIC FACTS ABOUT COUNTRY
Name and capital of the country: Negara Brunei Darussalam; Bandar Seri Begawan.
Names of Provinces & Provincial Capitals Four Districts named Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, Temburong.
Population 383,000 (2006 )
Currency/Exchange rate as on a recent date:
Brunei Dollar –pegged with Singapore Dollar. (Current exchange rate: US$ 1=
B$ 1.42; B$ 1= Rs. 27.02 (Dec. 2007 -mean rate of selling and buying)
Languages spoken: Malay, English, Chinese (various dialects)
Latitude/Longitude and time zone details of country, capital:
Brunei Darussalam is situated on the north-west of the island of Borneo, between longitudes 114º 04’ East and 115º 23’ East and latitudes 4º 00’ North and 5º 05’ North. It has a total area of 5,765 sq. km. With a coastline of 161 kms along the South China Sea. It is bound on the north by the South China Sea and on all the other sides by the Malaysian State of Sarawak.
Time: Hours +/- GMT. Daylight Saving Time details, if any:
IST+ 2½ hours, i.e. GMT+8 hours
Name of HOS/HOG/Foreign/Finance/Defence/Commerce/Industry Ministers:
1. Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hasanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, or in short, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkia
(Also the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance)
2. (i) Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar Pengiran Muda - His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
(ii) Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Paduka Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade-II
3. Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Awang Haji
Abd Rahman bin Haji Mohd. Taib
Minister of Industry & Primary Resources
Official Website Links to HOG/HOS/Foreign Ministry/Commerce Ministry in that country.
Government of Brunei Darussalam: www.brunei.gov.bn
Prime Minister’s Office: www.pmo.gov.bn
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mfa.gov.bn
Ministry of Industry and Primary www.industry.gov.bn
Resources
Ministry of Finance: www.finance.gov.bn
Name, address and contact details of country’s central bank.
Brunei does not have a Central Bank. The Ministry of Finance discharges the functions of the Central Bank for Brunei.
Basic foreign, international trade, etc polices.
Free trade with low tariffs and little taxes.
Membership of major multilateral and regional organisations: UN, UNESCO, ASEAN APEC, NAM, Commonwealth, OIC, ASEM, WTO, IMF, ARF, etc.
Major industries, global companies, etc.:
There are no major indigenous industries except for Oil & natural gas. The prominent multinational companies operating in Brunei are:
American International Assurance Co. Ltd.
Deloitte & Touche
DHL International (B) Sdn Bhd
Eastern Pacific Agencies Sdn Bhd
Total Fina Elf E&P Borneo BV
Ernst & Young
Fletcher Challenger Energy Borneo Ltd.
Functional Engineering Sdn. Bhd.
Galfar Pembinaan & Perusahaan (B) Sdn Bhd
Geulis Engineering Sdn Bhd
GIS Group Sdn Bhd
Harpers Trading (M) Sdn Bhd
Hj Adinin & Sons (B) Sdn Bhd
HSBC Finance(Brunei) Bhd
HSE Engineering Sdn Bhd
IRB Finance Berhad
ISS Thomas Cowan Sdn Bhd
Malayan Banking Bhd
Mitsubishi Cporporation
Oil Industrial Services Sdn Bhd
Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Q Carrier (B) Sdn Bhd
Sime Darby Marketing Sdn Bhd
Standard Chartered Finance (B) Berhad
Sullivans (B) Sdn Bhd
TCB-Ibrahim Sdn Bhd
Unocal Borneo Utara Limited
Willis Faber insurance Brokers (B) Sdn Bhd
Zuellig Pharma Sdn Bhd
Significant economic activities such as agriculture, mining, knowledge industries, services such as financial services, shipping, tourism, etc.
Except for the Oil and Gas industry, development of industries in other fields is still nascent. The construction and services have been the growing sectors. Manufacturing sector includes mainly light industries (textiles, foodstuffs, beverages, cement, bricks and tiles, plastic bags etc.) but growth has remained slow. Agriculture and some other traditional economic activities have tended to languish. The major current economic policy objectives are aimed at economic diversification (to reduce dependence on oil and gas) and the growth of the private sector. The Government is also emphasizing on development of ICT, K-Economy and tourism.
Global Trade and Investment
Total imports into that country, with major exporting countries: B$ 2.658 billion (US $ 1.882 billion) (2006) Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Japan, China, Thailand and Korea.
From India: Brunei $ 13.83 million (US $ 09.79 million)
Total exports from that country, with major destinations of exports: B$ 09.460 billion (US $ 6.6969 billion) (2006) Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Australia, USA, China, India, Thailand, New Zealand and Singapore.
To India: Brunei $ 597.06 million ( US $ 422.693 million)
Investment highlights.
India has not made any direct investments in Brunei.
Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), which manages Brunei government’s foreign investments, has made no direct investments in India. Though no published details of investments by Brunei abroad are available, according to the latest available figures, IMF estimates put Brunei’s income from Investment at US$2.381 billion for 1998.
Major Universities/Scientific Institutions:
University Brunei Darussalam
Tungku Link, Tungku Road
Brunei
Tel: 00673-2463001
Fax:00673-2460519
Major Tourist attractions
Brunei-Muara District: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Kampung Ayer(water village, inhabited by approximately 30,000 people), The Royal Regalia Building, Bubongan Duabelas (House of Twelve Roofs, built in 1906, one of the oldest surviving buildings in Brunei), The Brunei Museum, The Malay Technology Museum, Jerudong Park Playground.
Belait District: Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park, The Labi Longhouses, The Billionth Barrel Monument.
Tutong District: Merimbun Heritage Park.
Temburong District: UluTemburong National Park, Rainforest Field Studies Centre.
Major art forms/ cultural traditions and venues/ museums, etc.
Brunei is a Malay Muslim Monarchy, ruled according to Islamic values and traditions. The Royal Regalia, The Brunei Museum and the Malay Technology Museum have on display a unique collection of royal Bruneian artifacts; centuries old glassware, ceramics, jewellery, military artifacts and exhibits on traditional boatmaking and goldsmithing techniques.
Major Newspapers/Magazine/TV Channels with contact details:
1.Borneo Bulletin(English Daily)
Address: Lot 8 & 11, Complex Perindustrian Beribi II
Beribi, Gadong BE 1118
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 00673-2451468, Fax: 2451460
Email: brupress@brunet.bn
Website: brunei-online.com <>
2. The Brunei Times (English Daily)
3/F Wisma Haji Mohd Taha
Jalan Gadong
Bandar Seri Begawan BE 4119
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: +673-2428333 Fax: +673-2454752
Email: news@bruneitimes.com.bn
Website: www.bruneitimes.com.bn
3.Media Permata(Malay Daily)
Address: Lot 8 & 11, Complex Perindustrian Beribi II
Beribi, Gadong BE 1118
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 00673-2451468, Fax: 2451460
Email: brupress@brunet.bn
Website: brunei-online.com <>
4.Radio Television Brunei
Address: Jabatan Perdana Menteri
Bandar Seri Begawan BS 8610
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 00673-2243111, Fax: 00673-2222190
II. INDIA-COUNTRY RELATIONS
Events/facts of particular historical and cultural significance in relations between India and that country, including date of establishment of diplomatic relations:
An ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom having linkages with the famed Sri Vijaya and Majapahit empires of the region; converted into a Sultanate in late 14th century; zenith reached in 15th century with the whole Borneo Island and Southern Philippines under Brunei; gradual erosion in influence, accelerated with the arrival of colonial powers; became a British Protectorate in 1888; internal self-government in September 1959 when agreement reached on Brunei’s Constitution; internal sovereignty in 1971 and full sovereign State since 1.1.1984;
Contacts between India and Brunei have been historical, in extension of the contacts with peninsular Malaysia and the Indonesian islands. Brunei also carries a legacy of Hindu and Buddhist cultural traditions. Common traditional linkages are to be witnessed in culture, language and social customs. Popularity of Indian films in Brunei has added another contemporary dimension to the bilateral bonds.
Bilateral diplomatic relations established in 1984 and resident diplomatic missions exchanged in mid-1993.
Political Relations
India attaches importance to its bilateral relations with Brunei. For Brunei’s independence celebrations on 23 February 1984, Mohsina Kidwai, then Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, represented India. The Sultan of Brunei paid a state visit to India in September 1992.
Development of the bilateral relations in recent years has been marked, among others, by the signing of an Air Services Agreement (November 1995) paving the way for commencement of direct flights – by Royal Brunei Airlines – between Brunei and Kolkata, the setting up of a Joint Committee for annual bilateral consultations between the two Foreign Ministries and an agreement in the space field, signed in August 1997, for setting up of an Indian TTC (Telemetry, Tracking and Command) Centre in Brunei as part of Indian space programme for its Geo-synchronous Launch Vehicles (GSLV).
The 5th meeting of India-Brunei Joint Committee Meeting was held in New Delhi on 28 May 2005. While the Indian delegation was led by Shri Rajiv Sikri, Secretary(East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Bruneian delegation was led by Pengiran Dato Paduka Osman Patra, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam.
By virtue of their common membership of UN, NAM, and Commonwealth, and both as developing countries with traditional and cultural ties, Brunei and India enjoy a fair degree of commonality in their perceptions on major international issues. Brunei has been responsive to India’s ‘Look East’ policy, and supported India becoming a Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
Important Bilateral Treaties and Agreements, with brief notes.
1. Air Services Agreement: The Agreement was signed on 6th November, 1995. Under the Agreement, Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) was operating bi-weekly flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kolkata via Singapore. However, RBA has suspended its operations on this route since 31 October 2004, reportedly due to unprofitable business and does not operate to any destination in India at present.
2. Agreement on Cooperation for the Establishment of Telemetry, Tracking and Telecommand Station for Satellites and Launch Vehicles and for Cooperation in the Field of Space Research, Science and Applications: The Agreement was signed on 5th August, 1997. Under the Agreement, the Indian Space Research Organisation set up a Telemetry Tracking and Command (TTC) Station in Brunei in 1999.
3. The Second round of negotiations on the draft Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA) between India and Brunei Darussalam was held in Brunei Darussalam from 20-22 December 2005. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Dipak Kumar Singh, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, while the Bruneian delegation was led by Pengiran Haji Mumin bin PLW Pengiran Haji Yussof, Director, Ministry of Finance, Brunei Darussalam. The third round of negotiations was held in New Delhi in March, 2007.
Bilateral visits – Brief details of important two-way visits.
From Brunei:
Sultan’s State visit to India in September 1992; Sultan’s eldest sister HRH Princess Masna, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in April 2000; Minister for Education and the Chairman, Brunei Investment Agency – Pehin Abdul Aziz in July 1999; Communications Minister Pehin Zakaria in January and November 1995; Pehin Haji Awang Mohd Ali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei in October 2004, Pehin Abu Bakar, Minister of Communications in August 2005; Dato Haji Yussof, Deputy Minister of Communications in December 2005;
Pehin Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade-II in October 2006; Pehin Abu Baker Apong, Minister of Communication in November 2006; Brunei Investment Agency delegation in August 2007.
From India
Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, High Commissioner of India to UK (Candidate for Commonwealth Secretary General) in October, 2007.
MOS (Communication and IT) in September 2006 to attend 2nd ASEAN TELMIN+India Meeting;
Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Murasoli Maran in September 2002 to participate in first ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)-India consultations; External Affairs Minister Shri Yashwant Sinha in July 2002 for ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN-PMC meetings; MoS for External Affairs, Omar Abdullah in May 2002; Secretary(ER) in March 2002 and in May 2002; MOS for Tourism Sukhbans Kaur in 1995; Salman Khurshid in February 1993; MOS for External Affairs, K. Natwar Singh in March 1987; MOS Mohsina Kidwai in 1984 (for Brunei’s independence celebrations).
Commercial and Economic Relations, with trade, aid and investment details.
(i) Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation: Though, till 2002, bilateral trade and economic cooperation remained limited, both India and Brunei have made efforts to increase bilateral trade and economic cooperation and in 2003, 2004and 2005bilateral trade has increased substantially. The volume of bilateral trade, according to the trade statistics made available by the Brunei authorities during these three years is given below:
Year India’s exports to Brunei India’s imports from Brunei
2003 B$12.756 million (US$ 7.9725 million) B$156.034 million (US$97.5212 million)
(I.Rupees 34 crore approx.) (I.Rupees 421 crore approx.) <>
2004 B$13.55 million (US$ 8.4687 million) B$487.86 million (US$304.91 million) (I.Rupees 35.65crore approx.) (I.Rupees 1283.55 crore approx.)
2005 B$26.24 million (US$ 15.62 million) B$318.04 million (US$189.31 million) (I.Rupees 70.91 crore approx.) (I.Rupees 859.06 crore approx.)
2006 B$ 13.83 million (US $ 09.79 million) B$ 597.06 million (US $ 422.693 million)
(Rs.39.53 crore approx.) (Rs.1705.86 crore approx.)
In contrast, the total bilateral trade in 2001-2002 was only about Rs. 15 crores and in 2002-2003, it was about Rs. 23 crores. The substantial increase in trade is on account of import of crude oil by India and export of software etc. to Brunei during 2003-2004. Since July 2003, the Indian Oil Corporation has started importing 500,000 tonnes of crude oil annually from Brunei. Though the crude oil import by Indian Oil Corporation was suspended for one year (2005), another Indian company, Bharat Petroleum has signed a term contract on 16 July 2005 for import of about 1.8 million barrels of crude oil from Brunei during 2005.
Cooperation in other fields such as Railways, Space, IT, Biotechnology, Infrastructure, Mining, etc.
(i)Space:
Under an agreement signed in August 1997, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) set up an Indian TTC (Telemetry, Tracking and Command) Centre in Brunei in 1999 as part of Indian space programme for its Geo-synchronous Launch Vehicles (GSLV).
(ii) Education and Health Cooperation:
Bilateral cooperation in the fields of education and health is limited to recruitment/employment of Indian teachers, doctors and engineers by the Bruneian Government through its own channels, to meet its manpower requirements.
(iii) Cultural
In spite of the ancient cultural links and similarities in customs and traditions, our cultural interactions with Brunei have remained basically restricted to the screening of Indian movies in Brunei and the popular appeal of Indian film music.
(iv) Cooperation in information and communications technology:
Brunei is well aware of India’s expertise in Information and Communication technology. During 2003, two Indian information technology companies, I-Flex and Lifetree Convergence Ltd. have signed significant agreements for supplying software and related services to Bruneian companies.
Chairs in Universities on Indian Studies, South Asian Studies, etc., and vice versa in Indian Universities, relevant Area Studies’ Centres in the two countries.
None
Major Indian projects undertaken and other ongoing Indian projects.
None
ITEC Assistance and programmes.
In view of its per capita income, Brunei Darussalam does not qualify for assistance under ITEC.
Other Indian training/ assistance schemes
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers every year a slot of one scholarship to Brunei under the General Cultural Scholarship Scheme. India also offers training slots to Bruneians under the ASEAN-India IT Training Programme and ASEAN-India Human Resource Development Training Programme.
Brunei also offers scholarships to India under the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme.
Details of Indian Credit Lines/ Official Assistance.
NIL
Cultural Troupes – Incoming & Outgoing over last few years.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations has occasionally sponsored cultural troupes to Brunei and the last such troupe to visit Brunei was the 20-member magic troupe led by P.C. Sorcar Jr. in October, 2001.
Student Exchange Programmes, etc.
None
Any Sister City relations with India: No.
Important streets, public places named after Indian leaders:
None
Types of visas issued, and visa details for officials, students, business people, tourists, etc. from India.
The diplomatic Missions of Brunei Darussalam issue the following categories of visas:
Category Duration No. of Entries
Employment 3 months Single
Dependent -do- -do-
Student -do- -do-
Visit* -do-** -do-
Diplomatic -do- -do-
Transit 3 days -do-
(For tourism, business, and most visits for attending conferences, professional meeting/assignments etc.
*upto one year with multi-entry for business purposes only)
Further details may be obtained from the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam, A-4, Poorvi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057, Telephone: 009111-26148340, 26148343, Fax: 009111-26142101, Email: bdhcdelhi@hotmail.com
Air links with India/Convenient Travel Routes.
Though there are no direct flights between India and Brunei, Brunei is conveniently connected with Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Indian Banks: Nil.
Addresses of branch offices of other Indian Government and Public Sector organisations, Chambers of Commerce, etc., such as Tourist Office, Export Promotion Councils, FICCI, CII, ASSOCHEM, etc.:
None.
Name, Address and contact details of Indian Culture Centres, if any.
NIL
Link to Embassy and Consulate websites:http://www.brunet.bn/gov/emb/india/
Estimated NRI/PIO population : Approximately 7500
Important NRI/PIO Associations and their contact details.
1. Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association
Dr. P.S. Sugathan, President
P.O. Box 446, Bandar Seri Begawan-BS 8670
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 00673-2423929, 8882984 (Mobile)
Email: pandaresugathan@hotmail.com
2. Indian Association of Kuala Belait
Mr. K. Salim Abdul Karim. President
P.O. Box 47, Seria 7000
Tel: 00673-3341740 (Residence), 8855041 (Mobile), 3334313 (Office)
Website: http://groups.msn.com/indianassociationof belait
3. Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mr. Nazeer Ahmad bin Zakaria
President
No. 50, Block A, Malabau Complex
Kampong Serusop, Jalan Muara
Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 00673-2340972, 8716910, Fax: 00673-2340976
Major Indian ethnic papers/TV channels with contact details.
Nil
NRIs/PIOs holding significant public offices.
Nil
(Updated: February 2008)
