The question now is when Bhutan will join the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to the Economic Affairs Minister, Norbu Wangchuk. “Joining WTO will benefit Bhutan,” said Lyonpo.
The Minister said he learnt the benefits of joining WTO from the other member countries, when he was attending the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, as an observer, last week.
Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk said a lot of capacities, knowledge and skills on WTO have been already developed. “I think we have the knowledge based decision whether to join WTO or not?”
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If Bhutan decides not join today…it will be the future leaders who will make the call.”
Norbu Wangchuk,
Minister,
Economic Affairs
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Bhutan’s accession to WTO has been long-standing quandary. while, there were those who pointed out the benefits of joining WTO, there were also those who warned of the implications of such action.
But the Minister said the decision to join WTO or not will be a collective decision. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will soon organise series of stakeholders meetings, trainings and discussions so to be able to decide on Bhutan’s stand.
