Negara Brunei Darussalam: Economic Gloom and the APEC Summit

Two main issues faced Negara Brunei Darusslam during the year 2000: concerns about the economy, & the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Furthermore, a rift within the royal family evolved, which by Dec 2000 had not completely mended. The author briefly discusses this rift & goes on to the economic recovery, which was a priority in the year 2000. The buoyant oil market, however, has not solved all the sultanate's difficulties, the ordinary government budget still shows a deficit. The impacts of the APEC summit & several state visits are discussed. Brunei's military, police & law & order, Islam, & education & communications are examined. The author concludes that this is not an entirely trouble-free sultanate, many reasons for optimism exist, but also many intractable problems remain. 27 References. E. Sanchez