Important trade shows
Bhutan, a small landlocked country in South Asia, has a few important international procurement channels and exhibitions for business development. Despite being a relatively isolated nation, Bhutan has been making efforts to foster economic growth and attract foreign buyers. Let's explore some of the key avenues for international trade in Bhutan.
1. Department of Trade (DoT): The DoT is one of the primary government agencies responsible for promoting trade in Bhutan. They conduct various initiatives such as buyer-seller meets, trade fairs, and exhibitions to showcase products from Bhutan to potential international buyers.
2. International Trade Fairs: Bhutan participates in major international trade fairs where businesses can showcase their products and find potential buyers or partners. Some significant fairs include:
- Ambiente: This renowned consumer goods fair held annually in Frankfurt, Germany provides an opportunity for Bhutanese exporters to exhibit their handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and other products.
- World Travel Market (WTM): As tourism is one of the key industries in Bhutan's economy; the WTM fair held annually in London allows representatives from the tourism sector to promote travel packages and explore partnership opportunities.
- SAARC Trade Fair: Being a member of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), Bhutan also participates in regional trade fairs organized by SAARC countries. These fairs enable interaction with buyers from neighboring nations like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, etc.
3. Internet-based platforms: E-commerce platforms have become an increasingly vital channel for businesses worldwide. In recent years, Bhutanese artisans have started leveraging online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon Handmade to sell their unique handmade crafts globally.
4. Embassies & Consulates: The diplomatic missions located abroad play an essential role as facilitators between potential international buyers and businesses based within Bhutan. They often organize events that allow local manufacturers or artisans to network with buyers from various countries.
5. Tourism Industry: Although not strictly related to international procurement, Bhutan's tourism industry indirectly supports local businesses by attracting foreign visitors interested in the country's cultural heritage and handicrafts. Tourists can purchase local products directly, providing an avenue for artisan businesses to showcase their goods.
It is important to note that due to Bhutan's small economy and geographical challenges, international procurement opportunities may be limited compared to larger nations. However, the Bhutanese government is actively working towards enhancing trade promotion activities and creating sustainable channels for international business growth.
Common search engines
In Bhutan, the most commonly used search engines are as follows:
1. Google: As the most popular search engine globally, Google is widely used in Bhutan as well. It offers a wide range of search services and provides localized results for various regions, including Bhutan. The website can be accessed at www.google.com.
2. Yahoo!: Yahoo! is another commonly used search engine in Bhutan. It offers web search along with news, email services, and other features. The website can be accessed at www.yahoo.com.
3. Bing: Bing is also utilized by many people in Bhutan for their online searches. It provides web search results along with various features like maps, translations, and news updates. You can access Bing at www.bing.com.
4. Baidu: Although primarily known as a Chinese search engine, Baidu has gained popularity among the Chinese-speaking community in Bhutan due to cultural similarities and language familiarity shared between Mandarin and Dzongkha (Bhutan's official language). Baidu facilitates web searching along with various other services like maps and image searches. The website can be accessed at www.baidu.com.
5. DuckDuckGo: Known for its user privacy-focused approach, DuckDuckGo is also utilized by some individuals in Bhutan who prioritize enhanced privacy during their online searches or prefer unbiased results without personalized tracking algorithms interfering with information accuracy or neutrality.
The website can be accessed at duckduckgo.com.
It should be noted that while these are some of the commonly used search engines in Bhutan, many residents may still use regional or specific platforms depending on their preferences or needs for local content discovery within their communities or organizations.
Major yellow pages
Bhutan, a landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas, is known for its pristine natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. While it may not have the same level of internet accessibility as some other countries, there are still several key websites that serve as online directories or yellow pages for Bhutan.
1. Yellow.bt: As the official online directory of Bhutan Telecom Limited, Yellow.bt is a comprehensive resource for finding businesses and services in Bhutan. The website offers a simple search interface to look for specific categories or browse through various sectors. You can access it at www.yellow.bt.
2. Thimphu Has It: This website specifically focuses on businesses and services available in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It features an easy-to-navigate directory where you can search for specific businesses based on different categories such as hospitality, retail, education, healthcare, etc. Visit www.thimphuhast.it to explore more.
3. Bumthang Business Directory: Bumthang is one of the districts in Bhutan known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. This website serves as a localized directory providing information about businesses and services available specifically in Bumthang district. You can find it at www.bumthangbusinessdirectory.com.
4. Paro Pages: Paro Pages covers businesses and services mainly focusing on the Paro district of Bhutan—an area renowned for its iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug Monastery). The website offers listings ranging from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and local shops within Paro district itself. Explore more at www.paropages.com.
These websites should provide you with comprehensive information about various businesses operating within different regions of Bhutan including Thimphu, Bumthang, Paro, etc., making them useful resources when seeking particular products or services within the country.
Please note that due to Bhutan's remote location and limited internet infrastructure, some of these websites may not be as up-to-date or extensive as yellow pages in more digitally advanced nations. Nonetheless, they are valuable resources for navigating Bhutan's business landscape.
Major commerce platforms
Bhutan, a small landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, has witnessed significant growth in its e-commerce sector in recent years. While the industry is still developing, there are a few notable e-commerce platforms in Bhutan. Here are some of the main ones along with their respective websites:
1. DrukRide (https://www.drukride.com): DrukRide is Bhutan's leading online marketplace for transportation services. It offers various services such as car rentals, taxi bookings, and motorbike rentals.
2. Zhartsham (https://www.zhartsham.bt): Zhartsham is an emerging e-commerce platform that provides a wide range of products to its customers. From electronics and clothing to home decor and kitchen appliances, Zhartsham aims to cater to diverse consumer needs.
3. PasalBhutan (http://pasalbhutan.com): PasalBhutan is another popular online shopping platform that offers an extensive collection of products ranging from fashion and beauty items to electronic gadgets and home appliances.
4. Kupanda (http://kupanda.bt): Kupanda is an online grocery store that specializes in delivering fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and other essential household items directly to customers' doorsteps.
5. yetibay (https://yetibay.bt): yetibay is a growing e-commerce platform that showcases an array of local products made by Bhutanese artisans and craftsmen. Customers can purchase traditional handicrafts, textiles, paintings, jewelry, and more through this website.
6.B-Mobile Shop( https://bmobileshop.bhutanmobile.com.bt/ ): B-Mobile Shop offers online purchase options for smartphones along with plans offered by Bhutan Telecom(B mobile) for voice calls & internet browsing packages.The website also sells other telecom-related accessories like wireless routers etc.
Please note that the above mentioned platforms are the main e-commerce websites operating in Bhutan, however, there may be other smaller platforms or online stores that cater to specific niches or local areas.
Major social media platforms
Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom known for its unique culture and untouched natural beauty. While Bhutan may be relatively isolated, it still has a presence on various social media platforms to connect with the world. Here are some of the popular social media platforms used in Bhutan along with their website URLs:
1. Facebook (www.facebook.com/bhutanofficial): Facebook is one of the most widely used social media platforms in Bhutan. It allows people to create profiles, connect with friends, share updates, photos, and videos.
2. WeChat (www.wechat.com): WeChat is an all-in-one messaging app that also serves as a social media platform in Bhutan. Users can send texts, voice messages, make video calls, share photos and videos privately or through public posts.
3. Instagram (www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bhutan): Instagram is popular among young Bhutanese who use it to share photos and videos of beautiful landscapes, cultural events, food, fashion trends etc., using hashtags like #bhutandiaries or #visitbhutan.
4. Twitter (www.twitter.com/BTO_Official) - The official Twitter handle for Bhutan provides news updates from the government regarding policies and initiatives undertaken by them.
5. YouTube (www.youtube.com/kingdomofbhutanchannel) - This YouTube channel provides access to various documentaries about Bhutan's culture & traditions along with promotional videos highlighting tourism attractions.
6. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/royal-government-of-bhuta-rgob) - The LinkedIn page of Royal Government of Bhuta provides professional networking opportunities by connecting individuals interested in business collaboration or employment within the country
7.TikTok: While there might not be specific TikTok accounts exclusively representing Bhutan as such but individuals often post travel experiences and cultural activities relevant to this mesmerizing nation on Tiktok under hashtags like #Bhutandiaries or #DiscoverBhutan.
Please note that the availability and popularity of social media platforms may vary in Bhutan, and new platforms may emerge over time.
Major industry associations
Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas. Despite being a sparsely populated nation, Bhutan has several prominent industry associations that play a crucial role in the country's economic development and promotion of various sectors. Here are some of the main industry associations in Bhutan:
1. Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI): BCCI is one of the oldest and most influential business organizations in Bhutan. It represents both domestic and foreign businesses, advocating for policies that support trade, commerce, and industry development in the country.
Website: https://www.bcci.org.bt/
2. Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO): ABTO is responsible for promoting tourism activities in Bhutan. It acts as an important platform for tour operators to collaborate, address common challenges, and work towards sustainable tourism practices.
Website: http://www.abto.org.bt/
3. Hotel & Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB): HRAB works towards developing the hospitality sector by representing hotels and restaurants across the country. It focuses on improving service quality standards, promoting cultural heritage preservation, and fostering professional growth within this sector.
Website: http://hrab.org.bt/
4. Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN): RSPN aims to conserve biodiversity through research, education outreach programs, advocacy campaigns regarding environmental issues like wildlife conservation, forest protection, sustainable agriculture practices among others.
Website: https://www.rspnbhutan.org/
5. Construction Association of Bhutan (CAB): CAB represents construction companies involved in infrastructural development projects such as road construction, building construction projects across various sectors including residential buildings or commercial establishments etc., providing a collective platform to discuss concerns related to this sector.
No official website available
6. Information Technology & Communication Association of Bhutan (ITCAB): ITCAB plays a significant role in promoting digital literacy initiatives while advocating for policies and programs that enhance the IT and communication sector. It seeks to connect stakeholders, encourage knowledge sharing, and foster innovation.
Website: https://www.itcab.org.bt/
These are just a few examples of the main industry associations in Bhutan. Each of these associations plays a critical role in their respective sectors, contributing to Bhutan's overall economic growth and development.
Business and trade websites
There are several economic and trade websites related to Bhutan, a country located in South Asia. Here are some of the prominent ones:
1. Ministry of Economic Affairs (www.moea.gov.bt): The official website of Bhutan's Ministry of Economic Affairs provides information on trade policies, regulations, investment opportunities, and economic development plans.
2. Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (www.bcci.org.bt): The website for the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry offers various resources for domestic and international businesses interested in trade with Bhutan. It provides information on events, business directories, trade statistics, and policy advocacy.
3. Department of Trade (www.trade.gov.bt): This e-commerce portal maintained by the Department of Trade allows businesses to register online for import/export licenses and permits in Bhutan. It also includes information on trade agreements, tariff rates, customs procedures, and market access.
4. Royal Monetary Authority (www.rma.org.bt): The Royal Monetary Authority is responsible for formulating monetary policy in Bhutan. Their official website provides updates on banking regulations, exchange rates, financial stability reports as well as relevant economic data.
5. Druk Holding & Investments Ltd (www.dhi.bt): This is the official website for Druk Holding & Investments Ltd., which oversees investments made by the government in strategic sectors such as mining hydropower projects and other key industries contributing to national socio-economic development goals.
6. Tourism Council of Bhutan (www.tourism.gov.bt): While primarily focused on tourism promotion rather than economics or trade per se; the Tourism Council's website highlights investment opportunities within this sector including ecotourism projects where collaboration with foreign firms could be explored.
These websites provide a range of information related to economic policies and regulations; licensing requirements; investment opportunities; market analysis; tourism promotion among others that could facilitate business activities within or involving Bhutan.
Please note that it is advisable to verify the information through official channels or consult with relevant authorities before making any business decisions.
Trade data query websites
In Bhutan, the Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) is responsible for overseeing trade-related matters, including the management of import and export activities. The DRC provides a single platform called the "Bhutan Trade Information System" (BTIS) for all trade-related information in the country. This online portal serves as a comprehensive hub for traders, businesses, and other stakeholders to access important data on trade statistics, customs procedures, tariffs, regulations, and more.
Here are some websites related to Bhutan's trade data:
1. Bhutan Trade Information System (BTIS):
Website: http://www.btis.gov.bt/
This is the official website of BTIS that provides users with various features such as accessing import/export declarations, checking customs tariff rates and tax obligations based on product classification or Harmonized System (HS) code.
2. National Statistical Bureau:
Website: http://www.nsb.gov.bt/
The National Statistical Bureau provides economic statistics for Bhutan including information on imports and exports in different sectors. Users can find detailed statistical reports related to foreign trade in their publications section.
3. Export-Import Bank of Bhutan Limited:
Website: https://www.eximbank.com.bt/
While this website mainly focuses on providing financial services related to export-import activities in Bhutan, it also offers useful insights into foreign trade statistics of the country.
4. Ministry of Economic Affairs:
Website: http://www.moea.gov.bt/
The Ministry of Economic Affairs plays a vital role in formulating policies related to economic development and facilitating international trade partnerships for Bhutan. Their website may provide relevant reports or publications regarding foreign trades.
Please note that these websites are subject to change over time; it is always recommended to verify their availability before accessing them.
B2b platforms
Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a country located in the Eastern Himalayas. Despite being a small nation, Bhutan has gradually embraced digitalization and has started to develop its B2B platforms to facilitate business interactions and transactions. Here are some of Bhutan's B2B platforms along with their corresponding websites:
1. Bhutan Trade Portal (http://www.bhutantradeportal.gov.bt/): This is an official online platform that provides comprehensive information on import and export regulations, trade procedures, customs duties, and other relevant trade-related details.
2. Druk Enterprise Solutions (http://www.drukes.com/): Druk Enterprise Solutions is a leading B2B technology company in Bhutan that offers various software solutions for businesses. Their services include enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, accounting systems, inventory management tools, and more.
3. Wholesalers Network Bhutan (https://www.wholesalersnetwork.com/country/bhutna.html): As an online directory platform, this website compiles a list of wholesalers and distributors operating in different sectors within Bhutan. It serves as a valuable resource for businesses looking to connect with potential suppliers in the country.
4. ITradeMarketplace (https://itrade.gov.bt/): Developed by Ministry of Economic Affairs in Bhutan, this marketplace aims to promote trade opportunities between local manufacturers/suppliers and prospective buyers from both domestic as well as international markets. It covers various industries such as agriculture products, handicrafts, textiles etc.
5. MyDialo (https://mydialo.com/bt_en/): MyDialo is an emerging B2B e-commerce platform connecting businesses across multiple countries including Bhutan within one convenient marketplace solution.
It's important to note that due to the limited size of its economy and relatively slower adoption rate compared to other nations', the number of B2B platforms in Bhutan is not as extensive as in larger countries. However, the aforementioned platforms provide a starting point for businesses interested in exploring trade opportunities or establishing connections with partners from Bhutan.