Brunei Darussalam: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Brunei Darussalam

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-09-20

Total Pages: 73

ISBN-13: 1513597108

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Brunei’s economic performance—which was strong before the COVID-19 pandemic—has been buffeted by the health crisis and a pandemic-induced oil and gas price shock. The authorities responded fast and decisively. The number of new infections was quickly suppressed, thanks to a swift public health response, effective health measures and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Strong fiscal and regulatory policy responses helped sustain production and household income and consumption. Past diversification efforts and reforms bore fruit when it was most needed. As a result, the economy performed strongly in 2020, with real GDP posting positive growth of 1.1 percent—a rare outcome amidst negative growth in the region. Economic activity is projected to strengthen in 2021-22, albeit at varying speeds across sectors, and to continue improving over the medium term on the back of further diversification. The outlook is, however, subject to unusual uncertainty, with significant risks skewed to the downside. Sustained strong policy actions are needed to ensure continued resilience, while nurturing green, digital and inclusive growth.

Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam

Author: International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-10-06

Total Pages: 53

ISBN-13:

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Context and Recent Developments. Brunei’s high vaccination rates have allowed for the removal of COVID-19 restrictions and reopening of borders; however, reduced oil and gas (O&G) production have undermined the recovery. The financial sector remains liquid and well-capitalized. High fuel prices helped strengthen the fiscal and external positions in 2022. Inflation hit a historical high but has recently declined. The 2023 Article IV consultation took place in the context of a volatile O&G market, and a difficult external environment. Key policy challenges include the narrowing fiscal space, the need to shield the economy against O&G price and output volatility, global decarbonization pressures, and ensuring inter-generational equity. The government is committed to diversifying towards a low-carbon economy.

Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei
Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei

Author: Ooi Keat Gin

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2022-07-29

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 1000568644

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The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei presents an overview of significant themes, issues, and challenges pertinent to Brunei Darussalam in the twenty-first century. Multidisciplinary in coverage, the contributions cover topics relating to philology, history, religion, language and literature, geography, international relations, economics, politics and sociocultural traditions. The Handbook is structured in eight parts: Foundations History Faith and Ethnicity Literature Language and Education Economics Material Culture Empowerment Chapters focus on the recent past and contemporary developments in this unique country which has remained a Malay Muslim sultanate, sustaining its religious and traditional heritage encapsulated in the national philosophy, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB, Malay Islamic Monarchy). The MIB philosophy represents the sultanate’s three pillars of social, cultural, political and economic sustainability, and the contributors discuss this concept in relation to the notion of ‘Malay’ or ‘Malaydom’, the official religion of the nation-state, Islam and monarchy as the essential system of government. This Handbook is an invaluable reference work for students of Asian and Southeast Asian Studies and researchers interested in what is demographically the smallest country within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Malaysia: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Malaysia
Malaysia: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Malaysia

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-04-28

Total Pages: 135

ISBN-13:

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Malaysia’s economy is showing signs of a gradual yet steady recovery thanks to the authorities’ impressive vaccine rollout, swift and coordinated implementation of multi-pronged support measures. The recovery nevertheless remains uneven and the output gap sizeable, with significant downside risks. Going forward, the authorities should calibrate macroeconomic policies to the pace of the recovery, while preserving policy space given pandemic-related uncertainties, and simultaneously accelerate structural reforms.

Southeast Asia in Pre- and Post-COVID-19
Southeast Asia in Pre- and Post-COVID-19

Author: AKM Ahsan Ullah

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-08-30

Total Pages: 163

ISBN-13: 104013498X

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Ullah, Chin, and Hassan provide a comprehensive examination of the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Southeast Asia, examining its effects on the region’s economy, social dynamics, mobility patterns and religious practices. The book examines the profound changes and challenges that the region faced, offering insights into both the immediate responses and the long-term adjustments in these key aspects of Southeast Asian life. An in-depth analysis with a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective on the region’s postpandemic landscape offers informed insights into the diverse challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Asia in a rapidly changing world. This book is an essential reading for academics, researchers and policymakers seeking to gain a nuanced understanding of Southeast Asia’s response to the pandemic COVID-19.

Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-09-16

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13:

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After successfully weathering the pandemic in 2020, Brunei was hit by new waves of COVID-19, with case numbers going up significantly and new lockdown measures imposed in H2 2021. Reduced activities in mining and LNG manufacturing, combined with the negative impact of new pandemic variants on domestic services, led to a slowdown in the economy. Real GDP contracted by 1.6 percent in 2021. For 2022, growth is projected to rebound to 1.2 percent, on the back of easing of mobility constraints and a positive terms of trade shock due to surges in O&G prices. Inflation, while remaining relatively low at 2.2 percent at end 2021, has increased in 2022 and pressures are expected to remain elevated in the short term, owing to supply disruptions and higher food and fuel prices. The economy continues to diversify, with double-digit growth of the food/agriculture sector and a new fertilizer sector commencing production. The risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside, due to potential new COVID-19 variants, increased global uncertainty associated with an escalation of the war in Ukraine, monetary tightening from the US and a larger-than-expected growth slowdown in China. On the upside, higher energy prices would further improve the terms of trade and restore fiscal positions in the short term, while partially contributing to build the buffers needed to ensure stronger intergenerational equity. Strong policy actions are needed to boost medium-term growth and foster resilience.

Women, Business and the Law 2021
Women, Business and the Law 2021

Author: World Bank

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2021-04-05

Total Pages: 381

ISBN-13: 1464816530

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Women, Business and the Law 2021 is the seventh in a series of annual studies measuring the laws and regulations that affect women’s economic opportunity in 190 economies. The project presents eight indicators structured around women’s interactions with the law as they move through their lives and careers: Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Marriage, Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, Assets, and Pension. This year’s report updates all indicators as of October 1, 2020 and builds evidence of the links between legal gender equality and women’s economic inclusion. By examining the economic decisions women make throughout their working lives, as well as the pace of reform over the past 50 years, Women, Business and the Law 2021 makes an important contribution to research and policy discussions about the state of women’s economic empowerment. Prepared during a global pandemic that threatens progress toward gender equality, this edition also includes important findings on government responses to COVID-19 and pilot research related to childcare and women’s access to justice.

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Author: International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2024-02-27

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13:

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Timor-Leste has made impressive progress since independence in 2002 but remains a fragile post-conflict nation with pressing development needs. With oil and gas production having recently come to a halt, progress on diversifying the economy and developing the private sector is urgently needed. Fiscal deficits are financed by the country’s considerable Petroleum Fund savings, but regular large withdrawals are expected to lead to its full depletion by the end of the 2030s. A new coalition government—formed following parliamentary elections in May 2023—targets higher growth and achieving fiscal sustainability.

Timor-Leste: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Timor-Leste

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-07-14

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 1513593250

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Although Timor-Leste has made considerable progress in many areas since its independence in 2002, it faces significant medium-term challenges. The nation has pressing development needs, young institutions, and is highly dependent on oil. Oil revenues from active fields, which have been the main source of funding for government spending, are drying up. The non-oil private sector economy remains underdeveloped and lack of good jobs and high youth unemployment are serious concerns.

International Monetary Fund Annual Report 2021
International Monetary Fund Annual Report 2021

Author: International Monetary Fund. Secretary's Department

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-10-04

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 1513568817

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A recovery is underway, but the economic fallout from the global pandemic could be with us for years to come. With the crisis exacerbating prepandemic vulnerabilities, country prospects are diverging. Nearly half of emerging market and developing economies and some middle-income countries are now at risk of falling further behind, undoing much of the progress made toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.