Brunei and the United Kingdom share longstanding ties in education, politics, and defence — but what does their trade and investment relationship look like today?
In November 2024, the UK conducted its first trade mission to Brunei, bringing 12 companies exploring opportunities in clean energy, education, and oil and gas decommissioning.
Deputy Trade Commissioner for Southeast Asia Rhiannon Harries, who led the mission, shares how Brunei presents opportunities for British businesses looking to expand into Borneo and the wider Southeast Asia region.
The visit also came as the UK formally joined the CPTPP as its 12th member — a major Asia-Pacific trade pact of which Brunei was a founding member. As the first free trade agreement between the two countries, it sets the stage for deeper trade and investment ties by reducing barriers and opening new market opportunities.
