Forty years of Bhutan-Japan diplomatic relations have translated into hospitals, schools, disaster preparedness and life-saving healthcare technologies across the country. As the two countries marked the milestone, officials met in Thimphu on Thursday to chart the next phase of development partnership during the 21st Bhutan-Japan Annual Consultation on Economic Cooperation.
For four decades, Japan has remained one of Bhutan’s key developmental partners, supporting projects that have directly improved the lives of people across the country.
The 21st Bhutan-Japan Annual Consultation on Economic Cooperation reviewed the progress of these initiatives and explored new areas for future collaboration.
Held annually since 2006, the consultations provide a platform for both countries to review and strengthen their development partnership.
Japan has supported Bhutan across key sectors, including health, education, hydropower, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, capacity building, and assistance, among others.
One of the latest milestones is the establishment of the Royal Centre for Disease Control in Gidakom, developed with Japanese support to strengthen Bhutan’s public health system.
Another significant initiative is the introduction of the Integral Cardiotocography (iCTG,) through JICA in 2021. The technology brought maternal healthcare closer to women in remote communities and helped save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The consultation also served as a platform for both countries to exchange views on shared development priorities and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sonam Tobgay, Director-General of the Department of Bilateral Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Matsuno Kenji, Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi.
During the meeting, the Bhutanese delegation expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued support. The delegation also shared updates on Bhutan’s macroeconomic situation and outlined the country’s key development priorities.
The consultations concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship and expanding development cooperation in the years ahead, as Bhutan and Japan celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Sonam Pem
