The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Bhutan has secured foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments worth Nu 329.16 billion (bn) as of 7th October 2026, through projects that have received business licences and in-principle approval, according to Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE). Speaking during the 32nd Meet-the-Press, Lyonpo said the government has set a target of securing Nu 500 bn in FDI by 2029.
So far, FDI projects worth Nu 229.16 bn have been issued business licences, while projects valued at Nu 100 bn have received in-principle approval through FDI Registration Certificates.
The services sector accounts for the majority of FDI projects approved during the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP), particularly in information technology and information technology-enabled services (IT/ITES). Other sectors attracting investment include hospitality, manufacturing and agriculture. However, hydropower accounts for the largest share of investment by capital value because of the high capital requirements of such projects.
Lyonpo said attracting investment was only the first step, adding that converting investor interest into actual capital deployment required timely approvals, access to land and infrastructure, reliable connectivity, skilled manpower and effective coordination among regulatory agencies. Investors also look for policy certainty, predictable procedures and a competitive operating environment, he said.
Citing the latest UNCTAD World Investment Report, Lyonpo said the global FDI landscape was becoming increasingly competitive and selective, particularly in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
He said Bhutan must continue improving its investment climate and strengthening investor facilitation to attract and convert investment interest into actual capital deployment.
