The Regional Coordinator of Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), Christine A. Jantscher, called on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang this morning. The Regional Coordinator said that Austria will provide sustained support in the promoting and developing three priority areas in Bhutan: Energy, Governance and Tourism.
She said that ADC is in the process of drafting new strategies for expanding development in these core areas and garner increased economical returns.
Lyonchhen said that these three sectors were chosen very wisely and the focus on energy development should not only be on hydropower but also on other alternative forms of energy like solar, wind and bio-fuels.
ADC funds projects based on strengthening democratic governance institutions with a focus on the judiciary system of Bhutan and building institutional capacity for local governments. Lyonchhen said that he personally support the judiciary and the CSOs.
On tourism, Lyonchhen said that tourism services can be enhanced by training the local people, improving tourist services, developing video advertisements for television stations abroad and endorsing tourism through the social media. Lyonchhen also highlighted on developing the media sector with ADC’s aid as many individuals and businesses are involved in this sector.
The Regional Coordinator requested Lyonchhen in assigning a director at the Royal Institute for Tourism and Hospitality (RITH) located in Motithang, Thimphu. She added that the foundation for RITH is well-laid and the Institution is well-equipped projecting a lot of potential in upgrading tourism services in the country. Lyonchhen said that he would ensure RITH is available so that the entire needs of the tourism sector can be addressed. The Prime Minister also added that ADC’s assistance in these core engagement areas is crucial in the nation’s 11th FYP.
Lyonchhen said that Austria has been supporting and providing valuable assistance to Bhutan for a very long time and for which he is extremely grateful.
“Austria is a strong supporter, a genuine friend and we value our friendship immensely. Our nation is in a stage of transition where emphasis is being placed on private and social sector development, energy and tourism. A lot more needs to done in these areas and if we collaborate and work hard, we’ll accomplish a robust economy with a vibrant employment sector in the next five years. For this, we need ADC to see us through this transition and help us in building a strong economic base,” Lyonchhen said.
Austria, the fifth largest donor country, has been supporting Bhutan through its development cooperation programmes since the last 20 years. ADC in Bhutan aligns with the five year development plans and follows the guidelines of the Country Strategy Bhutan 2010-2013.
