Nima Wangdi

Japan assured Bhutan of its continued support beyond Bhutan’s graduation from the Least Developed Country in December 2023.

The First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi, Yamashita during conveyed the assurance during the 17th annual consultation between the two countries on economic cooperation held in Thimphu yesterday. 

Department of Bilateral Affairs director, Tshoki Choden led the Bhutanese delegation while Hiroyuki Yamashita led the Japanese delegation. Japan International Cooperation Agency Bhutan Office’s chief representative, Kozo Watanabe also attended the meeting.

According to a press release from the foreign ministry, the two countries discussed the status of Japan’s assistance to Bhutan and the Needs Survey 2022. The Bhutanese delegation updated on the 12th Plan and presented the draft concept note of the 13th Plan. “They deliberated on the new project proposals that Bhutan submitted and also reviewed the ongoing projects.”

The annual consultation between Bhutan and Japan was instituted in 2006. Since then, it has served as a platform to review and exchange views on economic cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also provides an opportunity for the two sides to discuss other areas of mutual interest.

Tshoki Choden conveyed Bhutan’s gratitude and appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their continued support for socio-economic development and efforts to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.