Indian business leaders attending the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025 have shown keen interest in exploring opportunities in Bhutan. They are particularly interested in renewable energy, sustainable tourism in agribusiness, and digital infrastructure. At the summit, Agriculture Minister Younten Phuntsho emphasised the importance of expanding trade partnerships, improving investment in Bhutan, and identifying new areas for economic collaboration.
The summit aims to strengthen economic ties and explore avenues for trade and investment between India and Bhutan.
West Bengal’s minister of state, the senior vice president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Indian business leaders and officials from various sectors attended the summit.
Addressing the gathering, Agriculture Minister Younten Phuntsho highlighted West Bengal as a crucial gateway for Bhutan’s economic engagement with India.
He urged business leaders to take advantage of Bhutan’s investor-friendly policies, sustainable business environment, and strategic location.
He said, “Bhutan is a nation that offers both, a place where your investment can be profitable and purposeful, where growth can be substantial and sustainable. Therefore, I invite you not just to invest in Bhutan but to be part of something very transformative and meaningful.”
During the session, Bhutanese officials also outlined key investment opportunities across different sectors.
They emphasised Bhutan’s pro-investment policies, fiscal incentives, and emerging sectors such as green energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
They discussed ways to enhance trade relations between the two countries by simplifying policies and implementing measures to encourage Indian businesses to invest in Bhutan.
Officials also focused on tourism collaboration, discussing the potential for joint initiatives to create sustainable travel experiences and boost cross-border tourism. Strengthening tourism partnerships, they noted, could drive economic growth while preserving the unique cultural and environmental heritage of both nations.
The session concluded with Indian business owners engaging in discussions with Bhutanese officials, exploring potential investment opportunities and avenues for collaboration.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sangay Chezom