Brunei, a small but wealthy nation, is under pressure to diversify from a petroleum-based economy. Since its oil reserves are going to last around 30 years, the government is looking at diversification measures like other richer Gulf nations. These involve developing tourism, trade, and the attraction of skilled personnel. Yet, because Brunei is so small and has limited oil reserves, it has special challenges. While economic reforms are in progress, the nation has been reluctant to adopt social reforms. For example, a 2019 law implementing harsh punishments based on Shariah law was condemned by the international community and continues to be unenforced. According to experts, without the complementary social reforms, including easing stringent laws and encouraging religious tolerance, Brunei’s economic reform might be incomplete. The country’s capacity for social adaptation will prove to be key in guaranteeing success to its own economic diversification drive.

Pray for the success of all the government’s efforts to diversify the economy in Brunei. Pray for wise counsel for the authorities to come up with new and effective diversification strategies (The Holy Bible, Psalm 118:25).

Pray for more religious tolerance in Brunei. Pray for the lawmakers to ease the stringent laws against the rights and freedoms of all civilians in the nation (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 21:31).

News Source: World Politics Review

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