Canada-Brunei Darussalam relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada established diplomatic relations with Brunei Darussalam in 1984, following Brunei's independence, and opened a High Commission in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan in 1995. Canada and Brunei share mutual interests in economic and education matters, as well as on multilateral cooperation such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Commonwealth, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which Brunei ratified in July 2023.
The most recent high-level visit took place in September 2023, when Dato Erywan Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Canada. The Sultan last travelled to Canada in 2000 and met with then-Governor General Clarkson and then-Prime Minister Chrétien.
In Brunei, the Canadian High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan represents Canada. A High Commission in Ottawa represents Brunei in Canada.
Political and economic overview
Brunei is a sovereign state and absolute monarchy situated on the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo.
Of Brunei’s 454,000 residents, 66% of the population is Malay, 9% Chinese, and 3% indigenous. The remaining 22% is comprised primarily of foreign workers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The national religion of Brunei is Islam, with 79% of the population identifying as Muslim (Sunni Islam), 8% Buddhist, and 9% Christian.
Oil and natural gas have made Brunei the second-richest country in ASEAN, after Singapore, measured by GDP per capita. Brunei also has the second highest Human Development Index ranking in Southeast Asia, after Singapore.
Trade relations
Canada's trade relationship with Brunei includes commerce across several sectors; most notable are oil and gas, education, and defence and security. Canadian firms are working in aerospace and flight simulation training, information and communication technologies (ICT) and in the halal food industry.
In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Brunei amounted to $8.5 million, down from $12.6 million in 2023. Canada’s exports to Brunei in 2024 totalled $6.7 million and imports from Brunei totalled $1.8 million. Top exports to Brunei include machinery and equipment, scientific and precision instruments, oilseeds and electronics. Top imports from Brunei were iron and steel products, machinery and equipment, and headgear.
In 2024, the stock of Canada’s direct investment abroad in Brunei reached $8 million while the stock of direct investment from Brunei to Canada is not available for 2024.
The launch of the Canada-Brunei Chamber of Commerce and Networking Association in February 2025, has the potential to increase trade links between both countries, foster collaboration and create synergies.
As Canada continues with the Indo-Pacific Strategy implementation in Brunei, the most promising markets for Canadian companies include energy (oil and gas), education, clean technologies (such as, carbon capture), artificial intelligence/information and communication technologies (AI/ICT), green construction, defence and security (such as, maritime surveillance, cybersecurity), agriculture and agri-food, and investment.
Related links
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Brunei Darussalam work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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