Bhutan Economic Forum

Date:   25th November 2024
Time :   9:00 AM onwards
Venue: Thimphu Deluxe Hotel, Bhutan

Background and Problem Statement

Bhutan is at a pivotal juncture in its economic development journey, navigating the challenges of transitioning to a developed country while upholding its unique Gross National Happiness (GNH) development philosophy. Despite notable socio-economic progress, key challenges persist, including structural economic vulnerabilities, limited private sector growth, reliance on imports, and the impacts of a global economic slowdown.

Although numerous development partners such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have contributed significantly to Bhutan's economic discourse through insightful reports, these resources often remain inaccessible to the broader public. This gap limits their potential to influence grassroots decision-making and entrepreneurial development.

The Bhutan Economic Forum (BEF) seeks to address this issue by creating a dedicated platform where Bhutan’s economic challenges and opportunities can be discussed in an inclusive, accessible, and actionable manner. This inaugural session will reflect on economic reports produced by development partners to inform national strategies and foster inclusive economic growth.

Project Approach and Strategy

The inaugural session of the Bhutan Economic Forum (BEF) will be designed as a highly interactive and informative event. The approach includes:

  1. Presentations by Development Partners: Representatives from organizations such as the World Bank, ADB, UNDP, and Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance will share insights from their recent reports and projects, offering data-driven perspectives on Bhutan's economic trajectory.
  2. Panel Discussion: Following the presentations, an interactive panel discussion will bring together economists, policymakers, business leaders, and researchers. This session will focus on translating the findings into actionable strategies and accessible insights for the public and entrepreneurs.
  3. Audience Engagement: The forum will prioritize audience interaction, inviting questions from both in-person attendees and live-stream participants.
  4. Live Streaming and Accessibility: To maximize outreach, the session will be streamed online, ensuring that entrepreneurs, civil society members, and the Bhutanese diaspora can participate and benefit from the discussion.

By combining expert insights with participatory dialogue, BEF aims to bridge the gap between policy analysis and grassroots understanding, ultimately empowering informed decision-making at all levels.

Event Agenda

Date: 25th November 2024
Time: 09:00 AM to 1PM
Venue: Thimphu Deluxe Hotel
Format: Hybrid (In-person + Online participants)

 

  • 9:00 - 9:30 AM:Registration and Welcome Tea

  • 9:30 - 9:40 AM: Opening Remarks

  • 9:40 -10:40 AM: Keynote Presentations on Bhutan’s Economy

  • 10:40 AM - 12: 40 PM: Panel Discussion and Q&A (Live and Online Audience)

  • 12:40 - 12:50 PM: Closing Remarks

  • 1:00PM - 2:00PM: Networking Lunch