Gelephu Mindfulness City: Bhutan’s experimental economic hub of the future
Bhutan, the country that introduced the world to the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), has long prioritised well-being over sheer economic growth. Now, in a bold move, the Himalayan kingdom is launching the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), an ambitious project that aims to serve as an interconnected bridge of sustainable development between South and […]
Read MoreIs Bhutan becoming a smuggling conduit for heroin?
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, customs officials at Paro International Airport have intercepted three heroin smuggling attempts in recent months (December, January and February), seizing a total of 31.5 kilogrammes (kg) of the illicit contrabands. The increased frequency of such interceptions has heightened fears that Bhutan is increasingly being targeted as a transit […]
Read MoreBhutan’s new inland waterway terminal to boost trade with Bangladesh and India
The terminal, part of India’s effort to enhance National Waterway 2 on the Brahmaputra, is a major cargo and river tourism hub. With the inauguration of the Jogighopa Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India, Bhutan has access to a new riverine trade hub that will boost its trade with […]
Read MoreWill Starlink disrupt Bhutan’s local internet market?
Starlink’s recent entry into the country promises high-speed connectivity, potentially disrupting the market long dominated by Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell—the two major telecom companies and internet service providers in Bhutan. Starlink Services Private Limited announced its launch in Bhutan on February 11 via X, formerly Twitter, nearly seven months after the government initiated talks to […]
Read MoreBhutan seeks jt venture investment with BD on hydropower
Bhutan is keen on joint venture investments with Bangladesh to tap into the hydropower potential of the Himalayan kingdom, Bhutanese Ambassador Rinchen Kuentsyl said on Tuesday. Bhutan has also taken steps to sign an agreement with Bangladesh’s submarine cable company to get an alternative internet connection from Dhaka, he said. The ambassador discussed the issues […]
Read MoreBangladesh, Bhutan optimistic on PTA potentials
Bangladesh and Bhutan have expressed optimism that they would be able to maximize the potential of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed between the two neighbours. This was observed when Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl made a farewell call on Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the State Guest House Padma on Sunday, according to a foreign ministry’s […]
Read MoreBusinesses in Phuentsholing struggle to rebound
Phuentsholing—Despite an uptick in the number of Indian tourists visiting Phuentsholing, local businesses in the country’s commercial hub are struggling to bounce back from the pandemic’s impact. In a clear sign that Phuentsholing’s economy is still struggling to recover, hotels and other businesses report low customer footfall even during traditionally busy seasons. This is despite […]
Read MoreStarlink’s entry to Bhutan brings promise and concerns
WITH approval from the Bhutan Information, Communication and Media Authority (BICMA), Starlink is set to enter the Bhutanese market, introducing high-speed satellite-based internet services. This marks a major shift in the country’s telecommunications landscape. BICMA officials stated that the agency carefully evaluated several factors before granting Starlink its license. Key requirements included registering Starlink as […]
Read MoreBhutan’s Prime Minister assures that the government will reduce data costs by 50 percent
Reiterating the election campaign pledge, the Prime Minister said that the government will slash mobile charges by 50 percent at the meet-the-press session yesterday. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay assured that the price reduction will be carefully implemented to avoid affecting telecom operators or compromising service quality. A technical committee, chaired by the Ministry of Finance, […]
Read MoreBhutan records Nu 15.96 billion FDI inflow in 2024
The government’s ambitious target to attract Nu 500 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over the next five years seems a long way off if FDI inflow in 2024 is any indication. Only 17 projects worth Nu 15.96 billion were approved in 2024, according to the latest FDI Annual Report. This is, however, a 110 percent […]
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