The Bhutan Innovation Lab, aimed at transforming how public policy is developed and implemented, was officially launched on 10th July in Thimphu by the Prime Minister (PM), Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and UNDP Resident Representative (RR), Mohammad Younus. Although inaugurated this month, the Lab has been operational for the past four …

Following an announcement by the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) on loan restructuring support measures regarding the loan deferral which ended on the 30th June, the Financial Institutions (FIs) have begun responding with internal reviews and client consultations. RMA introduced seven restructuring options, including interest-only payments and payment moratoriums for up …

Bhutan has officially launched its partnership with Binance Pay, introducing a national-level cryptocurrency payment system aimed at international travellers. The Chief Executive Officer of Binance, Richard Teng, arrived in the country this week to mark the occasion. Alongside him, a group of international influencers from key global markets is currently …

The Punatsangchu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHPA II), is 99 percent complete as of the end of June 2025.  The target date for commissioning of units 5 and 6 are mid-July 2025 and mid-August 2025 respectively. There are no issues as of now for units 5 and 6. Assembly and erection works for …

The National Assembly (NA), on 24th June, rejected all recommendations from the National Council (NC) concerning the Budget Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2025–2026 and the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill for 2024–2025. Among the key proposals dismissed was the NC Economic Affairs Committee’s recommendation to remove Nu 45 million …

The National Council (NC) endorsed the Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill unanimously by the 22 Members present on 23rd June . The adoption of two additional recommendations most notably adopting 26th May this year as the commencement date for the tax. This decision follows Section 46B of the Public …

The National Council (NC) endorsed significant recommendations to the Income Tax Bill, increasing exemption limits for non-business individuals on 24th June. One key recommendation is to exempt up to Nu 400,000 per income year on interest earned from fixed deposits. Additionally, the NC recommended the exemption cap for dividend income …

The National Assembly adopted the Excise Tax Bill of Bhutan 2025 on 17th June with 43 Members of Parliament (MPs) voting in favor and two against, out of the 45 MPs present. The Bill essentially means lower costs for cars for two reasons. The first is that it did away …

The hydropower sector is projected to create more than 50,000 jobs, achieve an installed capacity of 25,000 MW, and contribute 12–15 percent to the national GDP by 2050, as outlined in the 10X Economic Roadmap launched on 4th June. According to the Economic Roadmap, the economic growth will be driven …

In the month of May, the country recorded a total of 29,879 tourist arrivals. This figure includes both regional and international visitors. Compared to the same month in the previous year where 23,547 tourists visited the country, this marks an increase of 6,332 tourists. The numbers have gone up by …