To promote locally made products and celebrate Bhutanese agriculture, the 4th Made in Bhutan Exhibition and the 2nd Watermelon Festival are underway in Thimphu, starting today. The number of participants has sharply risen, with around 40 entrepreneurs, including established brands, start-ups, cooperatives, and farmers’ groups are taking part.
The Made in Bhutan Exhibition and the Watermelon Festival are conducted every year to celebrate Bhutanese originality and agribusiness, fostering new market opportunities.
“Last year, we had around 25 participants, and this year the number has increased to about 40. The steady increase in participation each year is a positive sign that local businesses are doing well,” said Tandy Wangchuk, President, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Made in Bhutan Exhibition features a wide range of products from textiles and handicrafts to organic agricultural products and herbal products. The exhibition gives a platform to launch new products, gaining market exposure and recognition.
Among the newly launched products is Bhutan Eco-Bags and Packaging, a business focused on producing environmentally-friendly bags and packaging solutions, aiming to advocate to minimise the use of plastic bags.
“Our product is still new and has only been in the market for a few months. Exhibitions like this give us a platform to showcase our products and promote them to a wider audience,” said Geeta Rai, Founder, Bhutan Eco-Bags and Packaging.
Meanwhile, the Watermelon Festival celebrates one of the country’s most loved summer fruits. The Khenrig Namsum Cooperative from Zhemgang has brought 12 tonnes of watermelon, featuring five different varieties grown by 22 farmers.
“Due to the large size of our watermelons and vendors often preferring imported ones, we usually face challenges in selling them. However, this festival offers us the opportunity to add value in many ways by making ice cream and juices. We also sell them by slicing and packaging them,” said Thinley Wangdi, Chairperson, Khenrig Namsum Cooperative.
The three-day exhibition is organised by the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives and the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Kipchu
