EDITORIAL

Getting the basics right

One of the most key factors for any country hoping to attract serious investment or even achieve good and sustained economic growth, is a good infrastructure system. While Bhutan may be upping the ante in its drive to achieve economic self-sufficiency a lot of the targets cannot be achieved without …

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Corporate Ethics and Trust

The recent Royal Audit Authority report, which showed prominent mining companies creating subsidiary companies to transfer profits into the hands of a few big promoters, at the expense of minority shareholders is a matter of concern. This, however, is also indicative of a larger and more widespread problem of corporate …

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On the 59th Birth anniversary of a Great Monarch

As Bhutan starts preparing to commemorate and celebrate the 60th birth anniversary or Diamond jubilee of His Majesty the Fourth King in 11th December 2015, it is a time to reflect on the various facets of this extraordinary Monarch who has done so much for Bhutan and its people. The …

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Old and reliable friends

His Majesty the King in a special and extraordinary gesture broke protocol to receive the President of India at the airport. In a traditional society this step, more than anything else, shows the level of warmth and strength in the relationship between Bhutan and India. When Bhutan became a democracy …

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On the sixth Coronation anniversary

November 1st 2014 is the sixth anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty the King, and close to the eight year since His Majesty the King took over the responsibilities of the Golden Throne from His Majesty the Fourth King on 9th December 2006. In this span of eight years …

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The 10,000 MW question

The proverbial cat is out of the bag in Bhutan’s 10,000 MW hydro projects sector, with news that we will most probably not be doing all the projects by 2020 due to financing issues. Discussions are currently on at the bureaucratic level and the final confirmation will have to come …

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An issue of rights and laws

The ongoing court case between the defendant Dasho Benji and the plaintiff DPT, will rank in importance next to the first constitutional case raised by the Opposition party over taxes during the previous government’s tenure. This paper given the sub-judice nature of the case will not pass any judgment on …

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An investigation is warranted

The government’s stand that it will look into the BHEL and BVT commission issue is a welcome move. The question that some people may ask is if the government has any business looking into a commission paid by one Indian company to a private Bhutanese company, in a mutually agreed …

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Transparency in hydropower projects

The escalating cost of the 10,000 MW projects has been a perennial issue that has featured in the media and public discussion. It has also been mentioned, many times, how majority of the national debt is hydropower debt. The size and number of the projects coupled with escalating costs and …

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Putting the focus back on the Economy

This maybe the umpteenth reminder, but the 2013 elections was largely won and lost on the state of the economy. Therefore, it goes without saying that the focus of the new government should be mainly on the economy. In reports emanating from the government there seems to be a lot …

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