Economy

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Agriculture and the livestock rising is the mainstay of the economy in Bhutan. They contribute about 45 percent to GNP. About 79% of the population’s main source of livelihood is agriculture. The major crops grown by the farmers are rice, maize, wheat and apples, oranges, potatoes and cardamom are some of the cash crops grown by the farmers in Bhutan.

Over the decades, planned socio -economic development has brought about significant changes to the economy of Bhutan. The major exports are hydroelectric power, wood based products, minerals, horticulture products, calcium carbides and cement. We import the consumer goods and essentials like rice, salt, oil, petrol and kerosene. Hydroelectric power is the Bhutan’s largest resource and is sustainable, renewable and environmentally friendly. We have so much of potential and by tapping all this potential will raise the national revenue considerably.

Tourism is the highest source of hard currency. However, the tourism industry in Bhutan runs on the principle of sustainability.
Economical viable and environmentally friendly, in keeping with Royal Government of Bhutan’s cautious and balance development & modernization. There is no restriction on the number of tourist visiting Bhutan; however the policy of ‘high value and low volume’ ensures the preservation of Bhutan’s culture and traditions.

Our major trading partner is India. The two countries have free trade relationship agreement. We export about 90 percent to India and source for 70 percent imports. Bhutan also has preferential trade agreement with Bangladesh.