Yeshi Tshering, 58 years old is sitting on the bench outside the Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) waiting for his granddaughter Tenzin Lhazey, while she is going through her therapy. Three-year-old Tenzin Lhazey, once a healthy baby, now faces the challenges of cerebral palsy (CP). This neurological disorder affects her movement …
Read More »Future opportunities for entrepreneurs at Gelephu Mindfulness City
Loden Foundation in collaboration with Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) recently organized a special event called Druk Tshongrig Gatoen (DTG) to promote entrepreneurship in Bhutan. The festival celebrates the country’s evolving economy and offers a space for sharing ideas and showcasing new businesses. It also highlights the importance …
Read More »Initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment
The recent FDI Report 2023 reveals a total of 108 approved Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in Bhutan, with 12 new projects sanctioned this year alone. Despite these positive numbers, the country still faces challenges with relatively low levels of FDI. In response, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment …
Read More »Government working on simplifying ESP loan process
The Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) has received 422 applications totaling Nu 1,604.65 million from Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) as of October 2024. So far, 41 proposals have been approved, amounting to Nu 29.72 million, marking an encouraging start for the initiative. ESP is designed to provide concessional loans at a …
Read More »Finance Secretary lists measures to deal with NPLs
According to Ministry of Finance, the Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in the trade and commerce sector are approximately 7.7 percent. In contrast, NPLs in the tourism and housing sectors are relatively low, at 1 percent and 2.2 percent. During the Meet-the-Press, the Finance Secretary, Leki Wangmo, shared, “This issue is largely …
Read More »Samdrup Jongkhar check post is expected to open by November 2024: Foreign Minister
Samdrup Jongkhar gate which was expected to open to foreigner tourists last September is now expected to open by November 2024. Foreign Minister D.N Dhungyel stated, “The Samdrup Jongkhar gate, serving as the foreigner check post for the eastern region, is essential, and the Royal Government of Bhutan is prioritizing …
Read More »Empowering local tour operators amid competition from international counterparts
While precise statistics on the percentage of tourists arriving through Bhutanese tour operators versus international operators are not available, it is known that international operators often collaborate with local businesses. According to an official from the MoICE, this partnership allows foreign companies to attract clients while local operators manage the …
Read More »DHI to follow up on the momentum created by Bhutan Innovation Forum
Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), the main organizer of the Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF), reflected on the event’s success and its implications for the future. The three-day event brought over 100 distinguished speakers, some 90 international experts and more than 10 speakers from Bhutan, to discuss important global challenges and …
Read More »From a difficult childhood to gold medals: The inspiring journey of Dr Dechen Wangmo
Doctor Dechen Wangmo, at just 27 years of age, has achieved what many can only dream of: a medical degree with an extraordinary distinction of nine gold medals from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) in Sri Lanka. Her journey from a humble beginning to becoming a celebrated …
Read More »Government to introduce airfare subsidies for international tourists from December
Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) Namgyal Dorji stated that the government will offer airfare subsidies for tourists from other countries starting this December. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji announced, “We’ll align international airfare rates with those for SAARC countries. The government will provide subsidies to airlines for each tourist.” Currently, …
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