The National Business Regulatory Reform Consultations continued this week in Chhukha (Phuentsholing) and Samtse, Bhutan’s principal commercial, industrial and trade gateways, where discussions extended well beyond consultation halls to the country’s border infrastructure, industrial parks, manufacturing facilities and trade corridors.

While the consultations continued to provide a platform for businesses, local governments and stakeholders to raise regulatory issues and propose practical improvements, the visits also enabled the team to observe firsthand how policies, regulations and public services are shaping business operations on the ground.

A key focus of the visit in Phuentsholing was improving the experience of businesses, tourists and travellers using the international entry/exit gateway. Hon’ble Lyonpo and the team inspected the Pedestrian Terminal, entry and exit facilities, immigration and customs processes, and the progress of Pasakha Dry Port construction to better understand operational challenges and identify opportunities to further improve service delivery, traffic flow and trade facilitation.

The team also met industries located in the Dhamdara Industrial Area, where businesses had been preparing to relocate following the expiry of their lease period. Recognising the practical challenges faced by industries in relocating operations, the Ministry, in close coordination with the Phuentsholing Thromde, successfully facilitated an extension of their occupancy until June 2029, providing businesses with greater certainty while offering preferential support for industries relocating to the Dhamdum Industrial Park. The engagement reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to balancing planned urban development with industrial growth, business continuity and employment.

The consultations in Phuentsholing also highlighted issues relating to industrial land lease tenure, border facilitation, foreign worker management, tourism-related economic opportunities, public service delivery, trade/industry licensing and export opportunities for local products.

In Samtse, the consultation focused on strengthening one of Bhutan’s fastest-growing industrial regions. Stakeholders discussed proposals relating to border trade, tourism, fiscal incentives and environmental management, while also highlighting the growing importance of Samtse as an emerging industrial and logistics hub.

With the operationalisation of the Norbugang and Dhamdum Industrial Parks, the movement of goods has increased significantly. The Samtse Integrated Check Post now handles around 400 trucks each day, with volumes expected to grow near double as additional industries commence operations later this year.

Hon’ble Lyonpo and the team along with the representatives of the Industries carried out an end-to-end inspection of the Integrated Check Post, customs procedures and documentation processes to identify opportunities for further streamlining and improving the seamless movement of goods across the border.

Visits to industries operating in the Norbugang and Dhamdum Industrial Parks provided encouraging evidence that investments made in industrial infrastructure are beginning to deliver tangible results. Manufacturing activity is expanding, employment opportunities are increasing, exports are growing and industrial ecosystems are taking shape. The progress witnessed on the ground reflects the collective efforts of the Government, local authorities and the private sector in laying the foundations for a stronger and more diversified economy.

Throughout both Dzongkhags, one message emerged clearly: improving Bhutan’s business environment requires more than regulatory reform alone. It also requires efficient public services, modern infrastructure, well-planned industrial ecosystems and continuous engagement with the businesses that drive economic growth.

The consultations will continue across the remaining Dzongkhags and Thromdes as the Business Regulatory Review team remains committed to listening, learning and continuously improving the policies and services that support Bhutan’s economic transformation.