The European Union (EU) plans to focus on contributing towards the development of agriculture sector and strengthening decentralization process in Bhutan. This was shared by the new EU Ambassador, Ugo Astuto in an exclusive interview with BBS.
The relationship between the EU and Bhutan has been strong since 1983. EU has been a friend and partner to Bhutan in its effort to improve the agriculture sector in enhancing food and nutrition security in the country. The Ambassador said that agriculture has an immediate impact on the lives of people when it comes to economic diversification.
“Agriculture is a key considering that 60 per cent of the workers are employed in Agriculture. So what we try to do is broaden the interpretation of our support. Agriculture is important for our income generation and it’s important also to protect the environment depending on the technique you use. So we are trying to foster this aspect of agriculture development,” said Ugo Astuto, the EU Ambassador.
He further added that the EU will also promote decentralization and improve service delivery at a local level:
“On decentralization, the government of Bhutan sees it as an important part of its programme in times of good governance. And we have also tried to offer our contribution, it is something that is still ongoing. Already 50 per cent of the public funds are channelled via the local government so the capacity of the local government is also built.”
The EU ambassador also shared that Bhutan can be taken as a model of strengthened partnership which is based on common values and principles.
Kelzang Choden
