Sir,
Bhutanese handicrafts are more than souvenirs. They represent our culture, traditional skills and, importantly, a source of livelihood for many artisans and small businesses. The growing presence of imported products in craft shops should therefore concern us.
Imports may sometimes be necessary when local supply cannot meet demand, but customers, especially tourists, should know whether they are buying something genuinely made in Bhutan. A simple and reliable “Made in Bhutan” certification or labelling system could go a long way in addressing this issue. It would give buyers confidence while helping local artisans receive the recognition and value their work deserves.
At the same time, we need to make it easier for local producers to supply shops consistently and maintain good quality. Depending too heavily on tourists also makes the sector vulnerable whenever visitor numbers fall.
Protecting Bhutanese crafts does not mean shutting out every imported product. It means making authenticity clear, supporting our own artisans and ensuring that something sold as Bhutanese genuinely carries a connection to Bhutan.
Yours sincerely,
Jigme Norbu
