CII Organised a Bilateral Meeting with H.E. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji and Dignitaries During the Bhutan Investment Roadshow in New Delhi on 7 January 2025
On 7 January 2025, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted a significant bilateral meeting in New Delhi with key dignitaries from Bhutan, including H.E. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Hon’ble Minister of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment, The Royal Government of Bhutan; H.E. Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel, Hon’ble Ambassador, Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi; and Sanjiv Puri, President of CII. The meeting took place as part of the Bhutan Investment Roadshow, aimed at promoting Bhutan's economic potential and strengthening trade relations between India and Bhutan.
This roadshow marks a pivotal moment in Bhutan's economic development. As the Royal Government of Bhutan embarks on an ambitious journey to attract increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the meeting was a key step in fostering a robust dialogue on enhancing business opportunities between the two nations.
H.E. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji emphasized the significance of this roadshow and its potential to take the business-to-business (B2B) relations between India and Bhutan to the next level. "This investment roadshow comes at a very pivotal moment, as the Royal Government of Bhutan embarks on an ambitious journey to strengthen the nation's economy through increased FDI. I am pleased to take this B2B to the next level to unlock the tremendous potential we have for mutual growth," stated the Hon’ble Minister. He added, "India remains Bhutan's largest source of FDI with investments spanning across diverse sectors from financial services to hospitality to IT and manufacturing, amongst others. We aim to build upon this robust foundation and forge even greater economic and business partnerships"
The bilateral meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to bolster economic collaboration and explore new avenues for investment. The event was also a reflection of Bhutan's growing focus on creating a more conducive environment for business and investment, aligning with the government's broader vision to propel the nation into an era of enhanced economic growth.
The discussions during the event were rooted in the recommendations of the 9th Economic Development Board (EDB) meeting, which took place in Bhutan last month at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of Bhutan. During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Bhutan highlighted the importance of attracting FDI to the nation as a critical component of its economic strategy. The need for a comprehensive review and revision of business regulations to create a more investor-friendly environment was also emphasized.
This ongoing reform initiative is seen as a key factor in positioning Bhutan as an attractive investment destination. The meeting also delved into preparations for the upcoming roadshow in India, which is set to showcase Bhutan's vast economic potential and opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, including energy, tourism, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
The Bhutan Investment Roadshow is part of Bhutan's broader efforts to diversify its economy, which has traditionally been reliant on hydropower and agriculture. By opening up to more FDI, the country aims to build a more resilient economy, create jobs, and boost the livelihoods of its people. This initiative also provides Indian businesses with a unique opportunity to explore investment possibilities in one of the region’s most peaceful and resource-rich nations.
Mr. Sanjiv Puri, President of CII, expressed his enthusiasm for the growing bilateral relations and noted that the roadshow marks a significant step towards further strengthening the economic ties between India and Bhutan. "CII is committed to supporting Bhutan's economic transformation by facilitating meaningful partnerships and investments between the two nations," he said.
The Bhutan Investment Roadshow is expected to lead to increased awareness and collaboration, setting the stage for a new chapter in the economic partnership between Bhutan and India, driven by FDI and strategic investments.
As Bhutan continues to build an attractive business environment, the support of Indian companies and investors will be essential in driving the nation’s long-term economic prosperity. The roadshow in New Delhi, therefore, represents an important milestone in the country's ambitious growth journey.
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