Opinion

Tshering, Thimphu Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved beyond being a futuristic idea; it is now a central force shaping societies, economies, and governance around the world. Its potential to transform industries, improve efficiencies, and drive innovation is immense. Yet, AI also poses significant risks, especially for developing countries like Bhutan, where digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are still evolving. As …

From the mountains of Bhutan to the shores of Tuvalu, countries across Asia and the Pacific face a common challenge: transforming their agrifood systems to meet growing demand while protecting natural resources for future generations.I have witnessed this challenge firsthand in conversations with national leaders who are managing shrinking arable land and rising food prices. I have also spoken with …

In recent years, a quiet but unmistakable shift has been taking place within our cultural landscape. As young people increasingly turn to modern forms of entertainment and artistic expression, interest in traditional performing arts appears to be diminishing. The effects of this trend are now becoming visible through declining enrolments in institutions dedicated to safeguarding our intangible heritage. What once …

The Excise Tax Bill 2025, currently under deliberation in Bhutan’s National Assembly, aims to curb the consumption of alcohol and tobacco by raising excise duties. While this objective is rooted in public health concerns, the economic impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) deserves equal consideration. In developing economies like Bhutan, taxation policy should function as an instrument for enabling …

Recent data from World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024 shows encouraging declines in national poverty rates, reflecting sustained economic growth and successful social interventions. However, beneath these headline successes lies a stark and troubling reality: poverty remains deeply entrenched in rural areas, where the majority of the vulnerable population continues to face systemic barriers that threaten to reverse hard-earned …

The mountains of Bhutan have long stood as guardians of a way of life rooted in balance, humility and coexistence with nature. But the silence of these hills is now interrupted by rising heat, vanishing snow and the growing urgency of a climate reality that is reshaping the country’s foundations. The danger is not in the changes alone but in …

The perception that Bhutan’s economy has recovered from the pandemic is misleading. A closer look reveals a slowdown in consumer activity, increasing reports of businesses operating with little or no revenue, and a rising number of loan defaults. These are not temporary symptoms but signals of deeper structural weaknesses and persistent demand-side constraints that warrant immediate policy intervention. One such …

The 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has sparked renewed interest in the state of media freedom in Bhutan. While the country’s ranking plummeted to 152nd, the reasoning offered in the report- particularly its assertion that 80 percent of private newspapers’ advertising revenue comes from government agencies and is allocated based on proximity to power- was …

In an age where the digital marketplace is rapidly transforming economies, Bhutan stands at a pivotal moment in its journey towards harnessing the potential of e-commerce. As the country increasingly embraces the digital age, it becomes imperative for Bhutan to expand its e-commerce presence, not just within its borders, but on a global scale. With the right policies, infrastructure, and …

Bhutan stands today at a crucial crossroads in its economic journey. After years of uncertainty and stagnation induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation has started showing signs of recovery. The economy is expected to grow by 8.5% in fiscal year 2025- a figure that reflects not only resilience but also renewed energy in sectors like hydropower, domestic investment, and …