Staff Reporter

Finance Minister (FM) Namgay Tshering was appointed as the chair of Small States Forum (SSF) and vice-chair of the Board of Governors of the World Bank Group yesterday.

A press release from Prime Minister’s Office states: “It is an auspicious turn of event, news that injects a major boost to our economic recovery process as we seek to heal from the scars of the pandemic.”

Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, as a chair to SSF for two years, will lead the forum of finance ministers and central bank governors of the 50 countries to address the challenges of the small countries.

Also, he will convene high-level dialogues with the World Bank Group and other multilateral and bilateral agencies on behalf of the SSF.

Alongside Austria, Lyonpo will vice-chair the Board of Governors (comprising of 189 finance ministers of member countries) for the 2022 annual meetings of the World Bank Group.

Lyonchhen Dr Lotay Tshering said that it is an encouraging development as Lyonpo partakes in the global role of decision-making and in inscribing Bhutan’s new relationship with the World Bank Group.

“It is a matter of pride since countries around the world are looking for renewed hopes and guidance to rebuild the economy and Bhutan is playing a critical part in the process,” he added.

“Given his hard work, professionalism, and network as the finance minister so far, I am happy that his colleagues heard him,” Lyonchhen said.

According to the press release, the offer for the posts considered Bhutan’s impressive progress in its Covid-19 response.

Edited by Jigme Wangchuk