Bhutan today mostly depends on a single trade route like Phuentshogling to import goods. During the deliberation on the Preferential Trade Agreement in the National Council today, members expressed concerns over the country’s overly dependence on a single trade route. However, going by the economic affairs minister, Bhutan could have inland waterways to Bangladesh via Sunkosh in Dagana.
Although Bhutan’s trade with Bangladesh began in the 1980s, India remains to be the country’s major trade partner. However, the two countries have signed an agreement for the expansion of bilateral trade. And gearing towards it, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma said, a feasibility study to establish inland waterways is underway at Sunkosh.
“We are looking at a small possibility at Sunkosh because it flows through the Brahmaputra River. But this doesn’t mean we will establish it. For now, we are conducting a feasibility study,” Lyonpo said.
Expressing concerns over the limited road-based trade routes in the country, members also suggested the ministry explore possibilities of more road-based trade routes.
According to the National Council’s Eminent Member Phuntsho Rabten, the country is overly dependent on the Phuentshogling trade route. He said about 75 per cent of the imports come from Phuentshogling.
“And no matter how strong the bond between the two countries is, some non-government agencies there warned us that they will not export goods if we do not open the gates,” he said.
During the discussion, members also pointed out issues faced by Bhutanese merchants and truckers while ferrying goods via the Indian highway.
And amid these concerns, Bhutan’s hope for a diversified trade will rest on the ministry’s effort to establish a new trade route.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Chayku
