The government’s manifesto has a section highlighting a commitment to creating an inclusive society for persons with disabilities (PWDs), with policy measures ranging from implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to increasing funding for inclusive education and employment support. However, despite these policies, organizations and …

The private sector is urging key reforms to the Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP), stating the slow disbursement of funds, procedural hurdles, and limited sectoral coverage as major roadblocks to its effectiveness. Upon invitation from the Economic and Finance Committee (EFC) of the National Assembly, the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and …

The Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) has been introduced to support various sectors of the economy through financial aid, concessional loans, and fiscal measures. The plan focuses on helping women and youth entrepreneurs, farmers, small industries, and key industries such as tourism, film, and construction. This is also largely in line …

In January 2024, tourists generated USD 3 million in revenue. However, in January 2025, there was again USD mn due to a notable increase in Indian tourist arrivals, which grew by 11.21% compared to a slight decline in other tourists. In February 2024, countries other than India tourists (COTI) earned …

In January and February 2025, the country received a total of USD 36.9 million in remittances, compared to USD 28.3 million during the same period in 2024. This marks a growth of 30.4 percent in the first two months of the year. The start of 2025 has seen a notable …

 Although Bhutan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2023 and has had a National Disability Policy in place since 2019, there is still minimal inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the workplace, and CSOs face funding challenges. The Industry Census Report …

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have provided updates on two key hydropower projects—Begana Hydropower Project in Thimphu and the Parochu Integrated Multipurpose Hydropower Plant (IMHP) in Tsento, Paro—aimed at enhancing Bhutan’s renewable energy capacity. For the IMHP in Tsento, the weir …

The country’s international trade volume saw a modest increase in 2024, with exports rising by over Nu 7 billion (bn), a 19.6% increase and imports growing by nearly Nu 9 bn, 8.3% increase compared to the previous year. India continues to be Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for the majority …

The hotel industry is very worried these days as the deferral for Hotel and Tourism loans worth Nu 13.508 billion (bn) comes to an end on 30th June 2025. These loans are for 503 loan accounts which are mainly hotel loans. In the last round of loan deferrals, Hotel and …

The Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) has received a total of 3,969 applications for Concessional Credit Lines (CCLs) under Window 1 worth Nu 8.997 billion (bn) as of 28th February 2025. Of the above, 892 applications worth Nu 860.54 million (mn) were approved and 960 applications worth Nu 4.5 bn declined, …