For the first time, a Swiss Business delegation is in the country to collaborate on potential businesses with Bhutanese business counterpart. The business community of Bhutan met with 17 Swiss business representatives in Thimphu today. The initiative is themed as ‘strengthening business relation’.
Switzerland has been present in Bhutan in the field of development cooperation since the 1960s. The priority focus on the relations between the two countries is on development cooperation. Both countries have been discussing to further strengthening business relationships between the two countries for over a year. The meeting today was primarily initiated for interested Swiss companies to explore potential business collaboration in Bhutan.
“Whatever decisions that the companies take will be based on how companies take the decision in various factors. What would be an ideal business in Bhutan, whether FDI investment in Bhutan or sourcing? Some might explore value addition in Bhutan and we also foresee as some companies already have offices in India and that could benefit from the proximity,” said Deepti Sharma, Deputy Director of Swiss Hub India.
“It is a big coincidence that few months ago I have been in India visiting plumbing labs to establish a plumbing institute in Bhutan in order to enhance the skills of our youth in plumbing. The person I was suggested by the plumbing association in India was here today. Since we don’t manufacture anything and don’t own any patent, it is always good to stick with the country with a good patent and good history in terms of economy,” Sonam Dorji, the CEO of Mawongpa Water Solutions, said.
The potential business ventures are in the fields of agriculture, education, constructions and health care among others. The initiative is also in line with Bhutan’s transition to developing country from the least developed country.
