Thinley Namgay

The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is optimistic about achieving stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to fulfil the goals outlined in Bhutan’s 13th Plan.   

This was revealed during the first quarterly private sector press conference organised by the BCCI in Thimphu yesterday. 

The engagement plans between the government and the private sector span across seven key priority areas: agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, hydro-industries, construction, and digital technologies. The 13th Plan targets a GDP growth projection of Nu 328.49 billion from these seven sectors by 2029. 

BCCI Secretary General Chandra B. Chhetri said that the chamber would invest in advocacy and policy influence, urging the government to develop favourable economic policies. “The BCCI will prioritise capacity building, training, and facilitating investments while driving partnerships that support these goals,” he said.

To address sector-specific needs, the BCCI will establish dedicated committees or task forces for each of the seven key areas.

“The BCCI will facilitate ongoing dialogue between the government and private sector businesses to overcome any barriers to the successful implementation of plans in the seven sectors,” Chandra B. Chhetri said.

The BCCI also plans to raise awareness about the opportunities available within these seven key sectors and provide a platform for businesses to enhance networking and collaboration. This approach is particularly relevant for industries like digital technologies, where cooperation and knowledge-sharing are essential for growth.

Additionally, the BCCI plans to track and report on the private sector’s contributions to the 13th Plan, monitoring progress, addressing challenges, and proposing solutions to ensure goals are met.

However, Chandra B. Chhetri said that specific details on private sector engagement remain limited at this stage.

BCCI President Tandy Wangchuk said that the chamber is optimistic about fulfilling the engagement plans if the government focuses on improving the ease of doing business, streamlining business rules and regulations, and fostering investment opportunities.

“A better business ecosystem is essential,” he said.

He also highlighted that allowing the private sector to venture into hydropower projects is an encouraging development.