In a bid to bolster trade ties between Bhutan and India, a significant capacity-building workshop was held in Thimphu. The event, titled “Advancing India-Bhutan Trade and Economic Partnership,” was organized by the Embassy of India in Bhutan and aimed to streamline and enhance the export processes for Bhutanese exporters targeting the Indian market.
The workshop focused on providing Bhutanese businesses with crucial insights into the procedures and regulatory requirements necessary for exporting goods to India. This includes addressing key challenges such as certification, product standards, and accreditation for agricultural exports.
India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, emphasized the workshop’s role in deepening the trade and economic links between the two nations. “This initiative reflects the deep bonds of friendship between our countries and aims to enhance the understanding of Indian customs procedures and regulatory requirements,” Dalela stated. He also highlighted that the workshop would offer valuable information on trade policies, customs regulations, and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
The workshop is part of a series of similar events scheduled to take place across Bhutan. Upcoming sessions are planned for Phuentsholing on July 30, Gelephu on July 31, and Samdrupjongkhar on August 1. These workshops are designed to address concerns of Bhutanese exporters, build their capacity, and facilitate smoother trade interactions with India.
Dalela noted the timing of the workshop as particularly significant, coinciding with the launch of Bhutan’s ambitious 13th Plan earlier this month. He assured that India is committed to partnering with Bhutan on various projects, including those aimed at strengthening cross-border infrastructure and boosting connectivity.
India, which has been Bhutan’s leading trading partner, accounts for nearly 80 percent of Bhutan’s total trade. To further enhance trade relations, both countries are focusing on improving connectivity through road, waterway, air, and energy projects. Planned upgrades include the expansion of integrated check-posts in Jaigaon-Phuentsholing and Dadhgari-Gelephu, as well as the establishment of new emigration check-posts in Darranga-Samdrupjongkhar.
Finance Minister Lekey Dorji expressed gratitude for the workshop, noting its importance in reinforcing economic ties between Bhutan and India. “By gaining a comprehensive understanding of Indian customs and regulatory requirements, we can ensure that our exports to India are seamless and optimized for efficiency and growth,” Dorji said.
The workshop featured a diverse group of participants, including seven officers from various Indian ministries and departments such as customs, health, plant quarantine, and agriculture. Bhutanese attendees included officials from customs, trade, the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, the Royal Bhutan Police, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, along with representatives from business associations and small and medium-sized enterprises.
This capacity-building program not only aims to transfer knowledge but also symbolizes a shared vision for a future of enhanced trade relations between the two countries. It stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to create an environment where businesses from both Bhutan and India can thrive.
