Brunei Targets Agri-Food Sector for Economic Diversification

Key summary

Brunei Darussalam is launching a strategic initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas by expanding the agri-food sector. Identified as one of five priority sectors, this nascent industry currently accounts for approximately 1.3% of GDP but holds potential to enhance food security and stimulate growth. While self-sufficiency has been achieved in poultry and eggs through government and private investment, challenges remain in subsectors including vegetables, rice, and livestock, leading to heavy reliance on imports. To address structural constraints such as land scarcity, infrastructure gaps, labor shortages, and technology adoption needs, Brunei plans coordinated policy measures. The strategy involves strengthening ties between producers and supporting industries, particularly in food processing. Drawing inspiration from Lao PDR's success with specialty coffee, Brunei aims to develop high-value niche products, leveraging its robust halal-certification framework for premium foods and specialty aquaculture items to drive domestic and international market growth.