During the Question and Hour Session in the National Assembly, yesterday, the Boomdeling-Jamkhar MP, Dupthob, questioned the government if it is creating conducive environment for the growth of private sectors in the country.
The MP on behalf of the opposition party said the questioning was important since they have noticed the government has established many governmental ventures which could have affected the private sector to open new businesses.
“Firstly the government has established farm shops in many gewogs and is also operating agriculture farm centre. Add to this, government has established State Mining Corporation. But, I think government should instead encourage private sectors to explore business opportunities,” said MP Dupthob.
The economic affairs minister, Lekey Dorji however responded that unlike MP’s viewpoints, the government has always been helping individuals to open private firms.
“Anything of big ventures, government has to take it up initially since private sector cannot open such ventures. But later on, government can hand over the responsibility to private individuals. For example, earlier, public transport buses and tourism were managed by the government since those days, no private companies or individuals could do the same. But now, things have changed. Private firms are operating bus service as well as travel agents,” added Lyonpo Lekey.
He also clarified that the government is operating farm shops and agriculture machinery centre solely for the benefits of farmers. Regarding the State Mining Corporation, the minister explained it was opened to efficiently manage mines and minerals which are country’s wealth.
Furthermore, Lyonpo Lekey Dorji underlined that with increase in corporate tax and business doers, progress has been evident in development of private sector in the country.
Today Bhutan is listed as the easiest country to do business in South Asia by World Bank.
