A total of 21,000 jobs were created over the past two years according to the 7th Accelerating Bhutan’s Socio-Economic Development (ABSD) Initiative quarterly joint review report. The number surpasses the initial target of 19,200 jobs by June this year. The jobs were mainly generated in tourism, construction, agriculture, culture and ICT.
The achievements were revealed today in presence of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and Committee of Secretaries.
The report also states that the government has accrued a saving of Nu. 131 million mainly by streamlining procurement process of construction materials among others. The targeted saving under the Initiative was marked between Nu. 260-340 million by June next year.
In tourism sector, the country saw over 65,700 tourist arrivals last year surpassing their target and a growth of 60 percent over 2010. Tourism sector generated a gross domestic product record of US$ 133 million.
According to the report, of the 71 initiatives, 33 have been completed satisfactorily and 30 are on track, six at risk and two are overdue.