The Natural Resources and Environment Committee convened a stakeholder meeting
The Natural Resources and Environment Committee convened a
stakeholder meeting with officials from the Department of Industry (DoI),
Department of Trade (DoT), and Green Bhutan Corporation Limited (GCBL) to
discuss the low GDP contribution from forestry products.
The DoI presentation highlighted that the sector engages in furniture manufacturing, timber processing, and the production of wood crafts and construction materials. Thimphu leads in the number of enterprises operating in this sector, while Gasa has the fewest. Key challenges identified include high raw material costs, limited access to finance, skilled labor shortages, competition from imports, and low levels of technology adoption.
The DoT presented trade data from 2021 to 2024, revealing an increasing volume of imports and a persistent trade deficit. In 2024 alone, 1,521 import licenses were issued for forestry products, amounting to Nu. 587.17 million. However, exports remain minimal and are limited to only seven low-processed species.
GCBL shared its vision, mission, core mandates, and human resource status. The presentation also covered ongoing programs, physical and financial constraints, and its contribution to GDP through eco-tourism. The corporation highlighted key challenges and outlined a way forward to enhance its impact in the forestry sector.
