By Angela Huyue Zhang China’s weaponization of rare earths has emerged as a major flash point in US-China trade negotiations. These critical materials, especially the high-performance magnets they make possible, are vital components in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, industrial robotics, and advanced defense systems. In response to China’s strict …

The story of Jangchub Dorji, is a microcosm of the challenges our private sector faces and a reminder of how far we still have to go in building a truly enabling environment for entrepreneurship in Bhutan. Jangchub is not a flybynight operator. He is a young, capable entrepreneur with a …

By Rabah Arezki & Rick van der Ploeg PARIS – The world’s superpowers have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for the critical minerals that are essential to the ongoing energy and digital transitions, including rare-earth metals (for semiconductors), cobalt (for batteries), and uranium (for nuclear reactors). The International Energy Agency …

By Pema Y Lhamo Fifty years ago, in an unscripted moment, Bhutan’s Fourth King caught the world off guard with a radical idea. Asked about Bhutan’s GDP, he replied not with statistics but with a pithy yet powerful conviction: “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product.” It …

The Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, located in Paro within the premises of Drukgyel Lower Secondary School, has been providing education to students who are hard of hearing since its establishment in 2003.  What makes this institute unique is its inclusive approach, beyond educating students with hearing impairments, it also …

The Tsirang Dzongda’s move to stop Rajen Tamang’s religious gatherings has split Bhutan down a fault line. The constitutional promise of religious freedom versus the cultural fear of conversion and proselytism. Both sides claim legality and both say they protect harmony.  However, only one fully respects process and proportionality. Article …

With the launch of the Education Technology Framework (ETF) 2025, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is redefining the future of learning by placing technology into classrooms to prepare students for the demands of a digital world. MoESD stated, “Based on the principles of access, equity, quality, safety, …

By Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg NEW HAVEN – Three months after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on most countries, the US economy appears surprisingly resilient. The stock market has rebounded from its initial slump, inflation remains under control, and fears of a recession have receded – …

By Zhang Jun SHANGHAI – Chinese manufacturing has come a long way – and by some measures, it is stronger than ever. Whereas foreign-invested enterprises were the driving force behind China’s manufacturing exports 20 years ago, most of these firms are now leaving China, having lost their market share to …

The phenomenal rise of Bhutan’s ferro silicon sector from a modest beginning in 1990 to a Nu 17.7 billion export powerhouse in 2024 was largely driven by international market cycles, cheap hydro power, and policy support. But today, the country stands at a crossroads with nine new ferro factories coming …