Tourism Takes Hit in Bhutan

Tourism in Bhutan, one of the largest industries in the country, is feeling the impact of the global economic crisis.

Tourism in Bhutan, one of the largest industries in the country, is feeling the impact of the global economic crisis. The number of people visiting the country has dropped by 30 percent so far this year. Not only is the number of people who visit falling, but the average length of stay for tourists is also decreasing from twelve nights to seven or eight nights. Yangphel, which was visited by 12,000 people last year, has only seen about 260 in 2009. As tourism continues to fall, companies that rely on tourism are expected to downsize their operations and may be forced to shutdown completely.

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Bhutan Budget Increase

The annual budget of Bhutan has been increased by Nu8.385 billion for the fiscal year 2008-2009.

The annual budget of Bhutan has been increased by Nu8.385 billion for the fiscal year 2008-2009. The majority of the funds for the increase come from India as there has been approval for a grant of Nu5.545 billion and outside donors and grants account for another Nu584 million. The remainder of the budget increase is to come from internal sources including an increase of domestic revenue stemming from the Tala project authority and taxes from the Bhutan Power Corporation. There has also been an increase in the capital budget which is to go towards infrastructural projects of in the areas of schools, water and health care. As the budget has increased, along with it, expenditures have also increased. However, the majority of the funds within the budget are to go towards development projects. The majority of the funds provided by India are to go into rural development projects including road and electrical development, as well as information and communications, cultural renovations, law and order services, pre-employment programs and hospital projects.

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Bhutan Orange Production and Prices Hit New High

The Bhutan Agricultural Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) released its season ending numbers for orange exports and reported new high in production and price.

The Bhutan Agricultural Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) released its season ending numbers for orange exports and reported new high in production and price. 17, 208 metric tones of Mandarin were exported to Bangladesh and 1.395 metric tones were shipped to India. Bhutan exporters were happy with the steadily raising prices which settled near USD 18 a box for "big oranges". This was a drastic change from last year when orange prices were USD 9 per box.

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Bhutan Lifts Ban on Indian Poultry

Bhutan recently lifted its ban on poultry and egg suppliers from India and West Bengal.

Bhutan recently lifted its ban on poultry and egg suppliers from India and West Bengal. Previously, Bhutan had been a major buyer; however, last July a ban was imposed as there was a reported outbreak of bird flu in India. India was recently declared virus free and the ban was lifted on November 21. Officials of Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority have said the ban was but in place as a precaution and the same was done when there was an outbreak in Maharashtra. New restrictions are now going to be place on Indian suppliers, such as the exclusion of head, feet, visceral organs and the meat must be packed in plastic and contain the processing date, expiry date and weight.

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Bhutan Strives to Promote Private Sector Growth

Various companies, including hydropower, banking and minerals, will join together in Bhutan in the countries new grouping of 14 companies striving to promote growth in the countries private sector.

Various companies, including hydropower, banking and minerals, will join together in Bhutan in the countries new grouping of 14 companies striving to promote growth in the countries private sector. The government has either a full or partial stake in all the companies. The grouping will form the Druk Holding and Investments, and according to chairperson, Om Pradham, "will not only complement the government's efforts to accelerate development activities, but also provide critical support and services to the growth of the private sector".

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Bhutan to recieve Danish Support

On Monday, an agreement was signed between Bhutan's Planning secretary, Karma Tshieem and Henrik Neilson, head of the Danish liaison office, to provide Bhutan with DKK140 million

On Monday, an agreement was signed between Bhutan's Planning secretary, Karma Tshieem and Henrik Neilson, head of the Danish liaison office, to provide Bhutan with DKK140 million. The money is for the 10 year plan within the health and education sector. The majority of the money, 76 percent, will go towards assisting the health and education sector, while 11 percent will be allotted for vocational training. Denmark has been providing assistance to Bhutan's health sector since 1989 and in 2003 began helping the education sector.

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