Parliament of Bhutan Launches Parliament-Private Sector Collaboration Strategy

Parliament of Bhutan Launches Parliament-Private Sector Collaboration Strategy

Thimphu, 30 September, 2024: The Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Council together with the Ambassador of the European Union and the President of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) launched the Parliament-Private Sector Collaboration Strategy at the Gyelyong Tshogkhang today. The launch ceremony took place with the auspicious presence of Ambassadors and Representatives of 17 Member States of the European Union, during their joint visit to Bhutan. The collaborative project under the Voice for Green Change Partnership (V4GCP) project was led by the Handicrafts Association of Bhutan and the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), with the Parliament of Bhutan. This initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen the partnership between Parliament and the private sector, ensuring that the voices of businesses are heard in legislative processes and fostering sustainable economic growth in Bhutan.

The private sector is a crucial driver of Bhutan's economic development, contributing to innovation, employment, and sustainable growth. As Bhutan embarks on its 13th Five-Year Plan, the Parliament-Private Sector Collaboration Strategy will play an essential role in ensuring that the private sector's contributions are recognized and supported. This strategy focuses on enhancing cooperation between Parliament and the private sector, promoting legislative engagement, and establishing clear communication channels for continuous dialogue.

The Parliament-Private Sector Collaboration Strategy includes various collaboration areas, such as:

• Legislative Engagement: Facilitating legislative consultations and impact assessments with private sector stakeholders to ensure policies and laws support economic growth.
• Oversight: Engaging with the Government to highlight critical private sector development issues and promoting transparency and accountability within the sector.
• Representation: Strengthening engagement with business communities across Dzongkhags to ensure local businesses are part of national development conversations.
• General Collaboration: Hosting an Annual Parliament-Private Sector Meet, improving communication channels, and supporting capacity development through training and exposure visits.

This partnership marks a new chapter in fostering stronger relationships between the legislative arm of the government and the private sector, complementing the vision of the 13th Five-Year Plan to realize a Developed Bhutan by 2034.