BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Business Sentiment Index (BSI) averaged 50.0 during the January-November 2025 period, indicating broadly similar or unchanged business conditions, the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) said on Tuesday.
The reading was disclosed in the central bank's second policy statement for 2025 and reflects mixed sentiments among private sector businesses across different sectors and company sizes.
According to the central bank, optimism was largely supported by seasonal demand linked to festive celebrations, large-scale events, and school holidays, as well as new project awards, contract tenders, and promotional activities that stimulated spending.
On the other hand, pessimistic sentiments were driven by factors such as slower project mobilization, adverse weather conditions, cash flow constraints, and competitive pressures.
Meanwhile, external factors also weighed on sentiment for export-oriented companies amid softer demand from key export markets and commodity price volatility.
The central bank also said the growth outlook for Brunei is expected to moderate to a sustainable pace in 2025 as both upstream and downstream oil and gas production continue to stabilize towards the end of the year.
Other developments in key foreign direct investment projects, in addition to the implementation of strategic projects under the 12th National Development Plan, are further expected to bolster economic growth. ■