The government’s review of business rules has identified nearly 400 issues that businesses say are making it harder to operate. The main concerns are access to land, taxes, markets and licensing. The government said it will work with relevant agencies to address them.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment met with people doing business across the country in August. The National Business Regulatory Reform consultations were meant to give businesses a platform to raise challenges and come up with suggestions.
A total of 399 issues were raised during the meetings. The biggest concerns were related to getting land and public infrastructure to run a business.
Taxes, fees, levies and foreign exchange accounted for another 60 issues. Another 52 issues were related to access to markets, while licensing and permits made up 45. The remaining issues included access to finance, procurement, labour rules and quality standards.
Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, said, “The 371 business-related issues identified during the recent consultations are being validated and assigned for appropriate action. Our objective is to resolve as many of these issues as practically possible within this fiscal year, particularly those requiring administrative and regulatory changes.”
The minister said some issues can be addressed through changes in government procedures. Others may require new policies, coordination between agencies or changes to the law. Businesses will also be able to track the progress.
The minister said, “On implementation tracking, we intend to make the tracker publicly accessible, enabling businesses to see the issues being addressed, the agencies responsible, and the reforms actually completed and implemented.”
The aim is not simply to remove rules. The ministry wants rules that are clear, useful and easier for businesses to follow. It also plans to review regulations regularly.
A report on the consultation will be published in the coming week. For businesses, the key test will be whether these changes make it easier to operate.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
