Bhutan is a small, landlocked country in South Asia with a population of about 750,000 people. The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and hydropower. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and employs about 50% of the workforce. The main crops are rice, wheat, maize, and potatoes. Tourism is the second largest sector of the economy, accounting for about 20% of GDP and employing about 10% of the workforce. Hydropower is the fastest-growing sector of the economy, accounting for about 15% of GDP and employing about 5% of the workforce.
The manufacturing sector in the country is small but growing. The main manufactured goods are cement, steel, and processed foods. The government is promoting the development of the manufacturing sector through a number of initiatives, such as the establishment of industrial estates.
Bhutan Industrial Estates
There are currently four industrial estates operating in Bhutan. The largest industrial estate is located in Pasakha [map], near the border with India. This estate is home to a variety of manufacturing businesses, including cement factories, steel plants, and food processing plants.
The government is committed to developing the manufacturing sector in the country. The government believes that manufacturing development is essential for the country’s economic diversification and long-term growth. The development of industrial estates is seen as a key part of this strategy.
However, there are some challenges to the development of the manufacturing sector in Bhutan. One challenge is the small size of the domestic market. Bhutan has a population of only about 750,000 people, which limits the demand for manufactured goods. Another challenge is the high cost of doing business in Bhutan. The country is landlocked and has a high altitude, which makes it expensive to import raw materials and export finished goods.
Despite these challenges, the government is optimistic about the future of the manufacturing sector in Bhutan. The government believes that the country’s commitment to sustainable development and its strategic location will attract foreign investment and help to create jobs.
Here are some specific examples of industrial estates in Bhutan:
Pasakha Industrial Estate: This is the largest industrial estate in Bhutan. It is located in Pasakha, near the border with India. The estate is home to a variety of manufacturing businesses, including cement factories, steel plants, and food processing plants.
Bjimena Industrial Estate: This industrial estate is located in Jazhipang, Bhutan. It is home to a variety of manufacturing businesses, including food processing plants and furniture factories.
Samdrupjongkhar Industrial Park: This industrial park is located in Samdrupjongkhar, Bhutan. It is still under development, but it is expected to attract a variety of manufacturing businesses.
The government is committed to developing more industrial estates in Bhutan. The government believes that industrial estates are essential for the country’s economic diversification and long-term growth.
