Lack of coordination among relevant stakeholders remains a major obstacle to regional trade connectivity, an independent study by the Bhutan Media and Communications Institute (BMCI) finds.
The findings and recommendations of the study were shared at the final stakeholders’ discourse on trade, transport and transit facilitation held in Thimphu yesterday.
It was attended by representatives from the government, CSOs and private sector agencies.
Similar discourse was held in Phuntshogling, Samdrup Jongkhar and New Delhi, India recently.
“In Phuntshogling and Samdrup Jongkhar, many said even within the ministry, different departments do not communicate with each other or share information. That’s why it’s important to have a discourse like this,” Pushpa Chhetri, the Director of BMCI said.
At yesterday’s discourse, participants pointed out a need to improve coordination and cooperation among inter-ministerial departments to enhance regional trade connectivity.
They said there is a lack of coordination and cooperation between central and local agencies in the country as well.
Other challenges faced by people involved in regional trade are small domestic market, insignificant export base, inadequate infrastructure and high transportation costs.
Shortage of professionals and lack of research and development team were cited as other obstacles.
The BMCI conducted the study in Bhutan as part of a larger study carried out in four other countries of Myanmar, Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
“This report is going to be compiled by the CUTS internationals along with reports from the other four countries,” Pushpa Chhetri said.
With its headquarters in Jaipur, India, the CUTS (Consumer Unity & Trust Society) International is a non-profit organization that works for inclusive policy making processes, which supports its vision of consumer sovereignty.
The study is expected to generate more discussions and create greater public awareness on issues related to regional trade, transport and transit facilitation.
