His Majesty’s Vision for Brunei-China Ties: A Defining Moment for Wawasan 2035

Brunei’s strengthened strategic partnership with China opens doors for investment, trade, and economic growth—how will the nation capitalize on this historic opportunity?

 

By Malai Hassan Othman

 

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, FEBRUARY 2025 – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah’s state visit to China has ushered in a new era of Brunei-China relations, reinforcing mutual economic cooperation, investment, and trade partnerships.

 

At a crucial juncture in Brunei’s economic diversification efforts, the visit laid the groundwork for key developments that could help drive the nation closer to achieving Wawasan 2035. 

 

During his discussions with President Xi Jinping, His Majesty reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with China, underscoring the importance of strategic cooperation in economic and regional development. 

 

“Brunei and China have enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship built on mutual respect and trust. This partnership has provided valuable opportunities in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, which we look forward to expanding further,” His Majesty stated during his meeting with President Xi. 

 

President Xi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Brunei’s Wawasan 2035. 

 

“The two countries should enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brunei's Wawasan 2035 and advance the two flagship projects of the Guangxi-Brunei Economic Corridor and the Hengyi Petrochemical project,” President Xi said. 

 

The key question now is: How can Brunei translate these agreements into tangible benefits that contribute to long-term economic stability and growth?

 

Major Developments: Strengthening Brunei’s Economic Foundations 

The visit saw significant agreements signed across multiple sectors, reflecting China’s strong confidence in Brunei’s economic trajectory. Among the most notable:

• Hengyi Industries Expansion (Pulau Muara Besar, Phase 2) – A major step in Brunei’s downstream oil and gas industry, reinforcing its position as a key player in the region. With China’s continued support, the expansion will enhance industrial capacity and drive economic growth. The focus now will be on ensuring Bruneian workforce participation and fostering local expertise.

• Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor & Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – A push to integrate Brunei’s economy into China’s global trade network, aiming to expand infrastructure development, increase foreign direct investment (FDI), and strengthen trade relations.

• Agriculture and Food Security – The signing of an MoU on Agricultural Cooperation signals new opportunities for Brunei’s agri-food sector, particularly in rice planting, fisheries, and livestock production. President Xi emphasized that China supports hybrid rice research cooperation to boost Brunei’s food security efforts and agricultural trade.

• Muara Port Expansion & Regional Logistics Growth – China acknowledged Brunei’s strategic importance in regional trade and expressed support for expanding the Muara Container Terminal (MCT). This is expected to enhance Brunei’s role in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and strengthen logistics and shipping capacity.

• Tourism & Connectivity – The extension of visa-free travel agreements will encourage greater tourism, business exchanges, and cultural cooperation, reinforcing Brunei’s ambition to attract more Chinese tourists and investors. 

China’s Support: A Strong Endorsement for Brunei’s Future

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Brunei, particularly in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries - key areas aligned with Brunei’s economic modernisation strategy. 

 

“China is willing to encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Brunei, support the country's development of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries, and help the country achieve economic diversification,” President Xi stated. 

 

Additionally, he emphasised the need for Brunei to maximise platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China-ASEAN Expo to expand exports of high-quality Bruneian agricultural and fishery products. His Majesty expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support in Brunei’s economic journey, particularly in helping the Sultanate navigate global economic uncertainties. 

 

"We greatly value China's support and its confidence in our economic progress. These partnerships are essential in helping us realize our national vision and strengthen Brunei's long-term economic resilience," His Majesty said.

 

The Reality Check: What Comes Next?

 

While the state visit marks a major milestone, the real challenge lies in translating these agreements into real economic benefits.

• Investment Readiness – Foreign investment alone will not be enough; Brunei must ensure that local businesses are prepared to take advantage of new opportunities. This requires developing a skilled workforce, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening business-friendly policies.

• Sustainability & Long-Term Growth - Expanding energy, agriculture, and logistics sectors are promising, but Brunei must balance economic expansion with sustainability, ensuring long-term economic stability without over-reliance on any one sector.

• Local Participation & Inclusive Growth - A key priority will be ensuring that Bruneians directly benefit from these agreements - whether through job creation, technology transfer, or local business opportunities. Strong local engagement and strategic implementation will be critical to success. 

 

A Defining Moment for Brunei-China Relations

 

His Majesty’s visit has strengthened Brunei-China ties and set a clear direction for economic cooperation. 

 

With Wawasan 2035 just a decade away, the agreements signed during this visit represent a crucial window of opportunity to accelerate Brunei’s transition into a more diversified and resilient economy. 

 

However, the responsibility now shifts to Brunei’s policymakers, business leaders, and workforce to ensure that these partnerships translate into real economic impact. 

 

As President Xi aptly put it: “China and Brunei should jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, safeguard international fairness and justice, and play a positive role in promoting global and regional peace and stability.” 

 

With China’s continued support and Brunei’s strategic vision, the path ahead is filled with opportunity—but only if the nation actively engages in realising its full potential.

 

Will Brunei rise to the occasion and turn these agreements into lasting economic prosperity? The answer will shape the nation’s future for decades to come. (MHO/02/2025)