Dechen Dolkar
Minister of Economic Affairs Loknath Sharma will meet the commerce and power minister of India to discuss trade, commerce, and hydropower issues and challenges.
Lyonpo is on an official visit to India from today to attend the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit that will be held from January 10 to 12 this year as a representative from the government.
“We will also explore opportunities to seek interest from investors during this event, and meet with a few potential investors,” Lyonpo Loknath Sharma said.
He said that his visit will strengthen trade and commerce between the two countries, address pending issues on ongoing hydropower projects, and bring potential investors to Bhutan.
Lyonpo Loknath Sharma said there are few import policy changes in India, which have to be discussed so that export of Renewable Natural Resources products from our farmers are not hampered.
“The discussion is mainly to highlight what hurdles we are facing and that require intervention from the Government of India. This is also to follow up on the recent commerce secretary-level meeting,” he said.
He also said since the ongoing hydropower projects are under an inter-governmental (IG) model, they have to be discussed frequently between the two governments. “We have not been able to discuss them face to face for two years now, and it is important that we discuss and resolve pending issues.”
Lyonpo will be on an official visit from January 6-20.