To solve the issues concerning regional trade connectivity in the sub-region, the national advocacy meeting on Trade, Transport and Transit Facilitation called out the need for political backing from various countries
Bhutan Media and Communications Institute (BMCI) conducted the independent study to generate more discussions and create greater public awareness on the issues related to regional trade, transport and transit facilitation.
Considering, the importance of regional trade connectivity, the study will provide information on the state of infrastructure and politico-economic conditions of Bhutan’s two important trade corridors.
As per the survey, among many other challenges, poor road conditions, lack of facilities at border checkpoints, freight issues, security concerns, currency constraints, lack of harmonisation of standards, lack of awareness and market information are the major challenges faced in regional trade connectivity.
Despite the government’s effort to tackle these issues, people at the ground are still unable to embrace these efforts. Therefore, the representatives from the government, CSOs and private sector agencies recommended for a need for political backing from various countries involved.
“Because this project is sub-regional, it involves four countries, there is a political element. So, diplomacy and politics is a very important element to take it forward. There is some concern even in Bhutan on security issues related to transport. So it is very important and with such meetings and gathering, it helps to clarify,” Dasho Kinley Dorji, the Former Secretary of MoIC, said.
Apart from various suggestions from the study, the participants gathered also recommended for the need for a toll-free number for Bhutanese travelling via border routes. The growing importance of ICT, harmonization of standards and creation of integrated cross-border checkpoints were also recommended to tackle the cross border trade hurdles.
With this, BMCI has now completed a study comprising of field survey, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and dialogues with all the relevant stakeholders. The study is a part of a larger study in the sub-regions like Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, India and Bangladesh.
