Bhutan’s trade deficit is projected to improve slightly, narrowing to 16.1 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the fiscal year 2024-25. This marks a modest improvement from the previous fiscal year’s trade deficit of 17.7 percent of GDP, according to the Royal Monetary Authority’s recent annual report. The report attributes the improvement […]
Read MoreTwo senior officials from TikTok’s South Asia office visited Bhutan from January 7 to 9, initiating discussions with various agencies to explore a potential partnership. The visit, facilitated by the Bhutan Information, Communication, and Media Authority (BICMA), focused on fostering collaboration, understanding TikTok’s operational framework, and providing guidance for the regulation of Bhutanese TikTok users. […]
Read MoreThe Million Fruit Trees Plantation (MFTP) project has completed its third phase, generating over Nu 1 million in revenue from the first phase of the project, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL). The fourth phase of the project will begin next month with a Nu 182 million budget. This phase will prioritise […]
Read MoreThe Royal Audit Authority (RAA) reported wasteful expenditures to the tune of Nu 193.564 million across various government agencies in its Annual Audit Report for the fiscal year 2023–24. The report defines wasteful expenditure as investments in assets or equipment that cannot be utilised as intended, resulting in substantial loss of public funds. The RAA […]
Read MoreSamdrupjongkhar—With the opening of new entry and exit points for international tourists, Samdrupjongkhar is stepping up its efforts to position eastern Bhutan as tourist destination. Towards this end, the dzongkhag administration unveiled its new tourism brand, “SAMJONG”, designed to unlock the dzongkhag’s full tourism potential. Under this new initiative, the dzongkhag is developing a range […]
Read MoreThe IT Association of Bhutan (ITAB) has petitioned the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) for financial support and incentives, pointing out that the Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) does not include specific provisions or initiatives to support the growth of the IT sector. The letter points out that achieving the country’s digital economy goals […]
Read MoreThe finance ministry has revised the credit growth projection for the fiscal year 2024-25 downward by 3.4 percent to Nu 10.48 billion, mainly due to delays in the disbursement of Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) loans. The revision, based on the ministry’s September update, contrasts with its earlier projections in June, which anticipated robust loan disbursements […]
Read MoreSamdrupjongkhar—The reopening of the Samdrupjongkhar border gate for international tourists on November 7 last year brought renewed hope to a tourism business battered by the pandemic. Yet, hoteliers, travel agents, and taxi drivers, have not been able to leverage the opportunity due to limited access to credit. The tourism industry in Samdrupjongkhar, which includes hotels […]
Read MoreIndia’s Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela talks to Kuensel Reporter Thukten Zangpo about India-Bhutan relations, trade and technology, and the visionary initiatives like Gelephu Mindfulness City, among others 2024 has been a busy year in both India and Bhutan, with both countries undergoing elections. What have been the key highlights in bilateral partnership for you, […]
Read MoreThe Royal Audit Authority (RAA) exposed major financial mismanagement, corruption, and irregularities in Pemagatshel Dzongkhag, making it the worst-performing dzongkhag among those reviewed. The Annual Audit Report 2023-24 highlighted Nu 4.74 million in misappropriated funds by the Zambala Farmers Group, which operates a Milk Processing Unit (MPU) in Norbugang gewog. Instead of depositing sales proceeds […]
Read More
