Brunei Darussalam welcomes foreign investment. Foreign investors are invited to actively participate in the current economic diversification programme of the country. The programme hinges on the development of the private sector. The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources was formed in 1989 with the responsibility of promoting and facilitating industrial development in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam offers all investors security, stability, continuity, confidence and competitiveness.

Competitive investment incentives are ready and available for investors throughout the business cycle of start up, growth, maturity and expansion. The Investment Incentive Act which was enacted in 1975 provides tax advantages at start up and ongoing incentives throughout growth and expansion that are comparable if not better than those offered by other countries in the region.

Industrial activities are classified into four categories:-

1. 1. Industries related to national food security
   2. Industries for local market
   3. Industries based on local resources
   4. Industries for export market

Flexible Policies

Industrial policies including manpower, ownership, government support and facilities remain open and flexible for all categories of industrial activities. Brunei Darussalam maintains a realistic approach where a variety of arrangements are feasible. Policies relating to ownership allow for full foreign ownership, majority foreign ownership and minority foreign ownership, as per the type of industry and situation. Only activities relating to national food security and those based on local resources require some level of local participation. Industries for the local market not related to national food security and industries for total export can be totally foreign owned. Overall, in Brunei Darussalam, any industrial enterprise will be considered.

Supportive Environment

Brunei Darussalam offers vast land and a variety of facilities throughout all four districts of the country. The majority of the 12 industrial sites presently developed are ready and available for occupation. Large expanses for agroforestry and aquaculture are also available. Rental terms and tenancy agreements are competitive and the sites offer a range of facilities, infrastructure and resources.Brunei Darussalam gives priority to ensuring the stability of the natural environment. As such, all sites are free from pollution and are ecologically well balanced. The Government philosophy is for sustainable development. Therefore, all polluting industries are banned and one of the continuing criteria for engaging any industry's participation is the impact on the environment.

One-Stop Agency

As the focal point for all industrial development, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources coordinates all industrial development activities. For investments in Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry is a One-Stop Agency.

It is remarkably easy to start an industry in Brunei Darussalam. A totally private development which does not require Government facilities needs only the approval to start. Those requiring Government facilities and assistance need only deal with the Ministry, which will liaise with other agencies and expedite applications.

The Ministry realizes the importance of time frames and clear decision making processes to your business. The entire procedure has only four stages:-

1. 1. Approval of the concept
   2. Approval of firm proposal
   3. Approval of physical plans
   4. Approval to operate

In all four stages, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources is your contact as a One-Stop Agency. In Brunei Darussalam, we make it easy and look forward to being Your Profitable Partner. We invite you to invest in Brunei Darussalam as a Partner in Success.