The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is spearheading initiatives aimed at deepening Brunei's capital markets. In September 2002, Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) made its first venture into the international debt market by undertaking a USD250 million syndicated loan. Brunei also launched its first Securities Exchange in 2002. While the Securities Exchange is currently not operating, when re-established it will enable international dealers to trade in conventional equities and derivatives products, and shari’a-compliant financial instruments. As an initial step to develop its domestic capital markets, Brunei launched its first short-term government Sukuk Al-Ijara (Islamic bond) program on 6 April 2006. The program included the offering of BND150 million (USD92 million) in 91-day commercial paper, which was the first of a series of planned offerings from the Government. Since then, sukuk issuance has become a regular activity of the Government.