The Government of India has granted Bhutan 63 percent of its foreign aid and grant, this year. It means Bhutan will receive an additional Rs 12.88B this financial year, making it to Rs 61.6B. Bhutan had received Rs 48.72B in the last financial year.
The Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Gautam Bambawale said Bhutan should use the fund in the most efficient and practical manner.
“Eventually, we will have to reduce the assistance to Bhutan as Bhutan will soon become self-relaint. Every Ngultrum must be used in the best possible way.”
Bhutan has been the highest recipient of India’s foreign aid and grant. India’s total expenditure budget for foreign aid this year was Rs 97.35 B.
Of the allocated budget, Bhutan will see an increase of 33 percent in the planned-aid and five percent in the non-planned aid. Of the total planned-aid of Rs 49.6 B, 35 percent will be grant and 65 percent in the form of loan.
Gautam Bambawale said among many other opportunities, two potential and possibility are in agro-processing. “Bhutan can grow more fruits and vegetables and process them into various products. There is unlimited market in India.”
The Ambassador also said Bhutan could look into establishing data centres. “Many Indians would prefer to establish a data centre here rather than in other third countries.”
He also said the prediction of economic boom in India will provide opportunities for countries like Bhutan.
