Department of Trade

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

The Director, Department of Trade (DoTr), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) inaugurated the Business Matching Session between a Thai Business Delegation and Bhutanese private sector on 18 May 2026. The event was aimed at enhancing trade, networking and exploring investment opportunities between the private sector of Bhutan and Thailand following the recent signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Prior to the business matching session, the Ministry also delivered a presentation on Bhutan’s trade regulations and investment policies to the Thai Business Delegation on 15 May 2026. The presentation aimed to familiarize the delegates with existing trade and investment related rules and procedures, thereby facilitating smoother trade and business engagement between the private sector of both countries.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Commerce Thailand, Thai Trade Center and Royal Thai Embassy Bangladesh in collaboration with the MoICE and Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The twelve member Thai business delegation was in the country for the last four days accompanied by officials from the Thai Trade Center, Dhaka and Department of International Trade Promotion, Thailand.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝟏𝟖 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲

The Department would like to reassure the general public that there is no disruption in the supply of fuel to Bhutan. The Department remains in close coordination with the principal oil companies in India, and fuel dealers which have confirmed the continued and uninterrupted supply of fuel to the country.

Additionally, we wish to clarify that the temporary shortage at one of the dealer’s retail outlets in Thimphu was due to internal supply and distribution challenges. Supply is expected to resume soon as the products are already in transit.

In light of this assurance, the public is kindly requested not to rush to fuel stations or engage in panic buying, hoarding, or the storage of fuel in barrels, jerry cans, plastic containers, or other unsafe receptacles.

Improper storage of fuels such as petrol and diesel poses significant health, safety, and environmental risks. Petrol, in particular, is highly volatile, flammable, and toxic. Storing fuel in unsuitable containers may result in leaks, pressure build-up, fires, explosions, and structural damage, especially under hot weather conditions. In addition, exposure to fuel vapours may cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory difficulties, and other long-term health concerns.

Unnecessary hoarding of fuel can also create unavoidable shortages and inconvenience for other consumers. The Department sincerely appreciates the continued cooperation, understanding, and support of the public.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞
𝐌𝐨𝐈𝐂𝐄

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𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

The Department of Trade (DoTr), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) successfully conducted a five-day WTO National Consultation Workshop from 4-8 May 2026 with two key World Trade Organization (WTO) experts, Ms. Maika Oshiwakawa, Director, Accession Division and Ms. Rohini Archarya, Counsellor, Accession Division, Bhutan’s WTO Negotiating Team, and members of the Technical Working Groups. The workshop served as an important platform to brief participants on recent developments in Bhutan’s WTO accession process and to strengthen inter-agency coordination and collaboration on accession-related matters.

The discussions focused on enhancing the technical understanding of WTO principles, obligations, and ongoing negotiation processes among the concerned agencies. The primary objective of the workshop was to provide feedback on Bhutan’s WTO accession-related documents (17 documents) prior to its circulation to WTO members and enhance awareness and capacity of Bhutan’s technical negotiating team. With the support of the WTO experts, all 17 accession-related documents were thoroughly reviewed, updated, and finalized for circulation to the members.

The workshop also provided valuable technical guidance and clarifications to Bhutan’s Negotiating Team and Technical Working Group members on accession procedures, protocols, and documentation requirements, including post accession related works. The consultation further strengthened Bhutan’s institutional preparedness and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing Bhutan's WTO accession process in a coordinated and timely manner.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝟖 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐮, 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

The Department of Trade, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), today successfully hosted the joint Award Ceremony for the Bhutan SEAL and Brand Bhutan Mark at the Brand Bhutan Store in Changzamtok, recognizing outstanding Bhutanese products and businesses for their excellence in quality, authenticity, and innovation.

The event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of MoICE as the chief guest and attended by senior government officials, heads of agencies from both government and private sectors, award recipients, producers, and artisans.

A total of 12 products were awarded under the Brand Bhutan Initiative, including 11 under the Made in Bhutan (MIB) mark and 1 under the Grown in Bhutan (GIB) mark. Under the Bhutan SEAL Award, 7 handicraft products received the Seal of Quality.

The awards recognize exceptional standards in craftsmanship, innovation, and market potential, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining quality and authenticity in Bhutanese products.

In his remarks, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the critical role of these initiatives in strengthening Bhutan’s identity in global markets. He encouraged producers and artisans to continue upholding high standards and to leverage these recognitions to enhance competitiveness and expand market reach internationally.

The ceremony highlighted the contributions of producers, farmers, and artisans as key ambassadors of Bhutanese culture, showcasing the country’s values, heritage, and commitment to sustainable and authentic production practices. Award recipients were commended for their dedication, creativity, and efforts in preserving tradition while embracing innovation.

By combining the two ceremonies, the Department provided a unified platform to recognize excellence, foster collaboration among stakeholders, raise awareness of certified Bhutanese products, and inspire emerging entrepreneurs and artisans.

Launched in 2016, the Brand Bhutan Initiative serves as Bhutan’s national strategy to strengthen the identity, competitiveness, and marketability of Bhutanese products and services. Through the Made in Bhutan and Grown in Bhutan certification marks, the initiative assures authenticity, supports producers and farmers, and enhances product visibility in both domestic and international markets. Since its inception, 113 products have been certified under the initiative.

The Bhutan SEAL Award, established in 2009 and inspired by the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts, recognizes outstanding Bhutanese handicrafts that demonstrate excellence in quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and market appeal.

The Department of Trade reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting producers, expanding market opportunities, and promoting Bhutan SEAL and Brand Bhutan mark certified products both domestically and internationally.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞

🚨 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘

The Department of Trade alerts the public to a fake Telegram group impersonating the Department and its Director to promote fraudulent investment schemes.

⚠️ The Department does not operate any Telegram groups and will never request funds or personal information through such platforms.

We urge the public to remain vigilant, avoid engaging with these accounts, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

📌 Please refer to the advisory below for full details.


Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan
Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority

Press Release

Thimphu, Bhutan | 16 April 2026

The Royal Government informs the public that fuel import costs have continued to increase, with the rise in diesel prices being of particular concern. This is especially significant because diesel is a critical input for transport, construction, distribution and other key economic activities, and as such, it has a direct impact on the prices of food, essential commodities, and a wide range of services across the economy.

In response, and in line with the National Fuel Price Smoothening Framework (NFPSF) introduced on 21 March 2026, with effect from midnight of 16 April 2026, the new retail selling price will be maintained at Nu. 102.90 per litre for petrol and Nu. 98.31 per litre for diesel in Thimphu. To support these prices, the Government will provide fuel price support of Nu. 8.19 per litre for petrol and Nu. 101.35 per litre for diesel.

The Government has spent Nu. 492 million till 16 April, 2026, as a price support. At the revised price, it is estimated that the Government will spend an additional Nu. 1.2 billion per month. This displays the Government’s resolute commitment for ensuring stable prices for goods and services, especially food, to reduce the negative impact on household income, and to ensure fiscal sustainability and macroeconomic stability.

In continuation of the measures established under Executive Order C2/2026/1146 dated 2 April 2026, the Royal Government reiterates the urgent need for collective national solidarity in reducing fossil fuel consumption. All public agencies and the general public are therefore directed to intensify their efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption. In particular, agencies must continue to prioritize:
1. Alternative Commuting: Implementing “walk-to-work” initiatives for staff where feasible.
2. Travel Restrictions: Strictly avoiding all non-essential official travel.
3. Remote Operations: Utilizing remote work arrangements to minimize the use of government pool vehicles

The Royal Government extends a formal appeal to the private sector and the general public to adopt similar prudent measures.

📢 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 – 𝐍𝐓𝐅𝐂 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭

The Department of Trade, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), is pleased to announce a vacancy for the position of National Consultant – NTFC Secretariat.

This consultancy aims to support the functioning of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) and strengthen coordination on trade facilitation initiatives.

🔗 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/274849?language=en

🗓️ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝟏𝟓 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

📄 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭:
While the UN posting provides a brief overview, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the attached Terms of Reference (ToR) for detailed information on responsibilities, deliverables, and required qualifications.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OmJ3FRKM8Z33_pwL5iLWZIYOhaQ13HmP/view?usp=sharing

Bhutan_DoTr_NTFC Coordinator_TORs.pdf

The Department of Trade, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, is pleased to announce a Sensitization Program on Trade Facilitation Systems and Services for all business and industry license holders.

The program will cover key areas including E-Commerce, Brand Bhutan, Trade Information Portal System (TIPS), import and export procedures, along with live demonstrations of the Bhutan Trade Facilitation Network (BTFN) and Integrated Business Licensing System (IBLS).

📍 Phuentsholing: 23–24 March 2026, RRCO Conference Hall
📍 Punakha: 26–27 March 2026, Hotel White Dragon

All license holders are encouraged to participate and gain practical insights into trade-related services and systems.

For participation confirmation, please contact the designated focal persons as mentioned in the notice.

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧–𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚, 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡

The 10th Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) between the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) and the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (GoB) was held from 9 - 10 March 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Bhutanese delegation was led by Ms. Tashi Wangmo, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, while the Bangladesh delegation was led by Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh.

The meeting reviewed the progress in advancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation since the 9th CSLM held in Thimphu in 2024. Discussions covered a wide range of areas, including private sector collaborations, tourism cooperation, trade facilitation, customs procedures, standards, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and agriculture. Both sides also agreed to review and consider the inclusion of additional products under the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) 2020 to further enhance bilateral trade, while also exploring the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The meeting achieved several key outcomes. Both sides agreed to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Tourism (DoT), MoICE, Bhutan, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MoCAT), Bangladesh, to promote tourism cooperation. The Bangladesh side offered Pangaon Port as a viable alternative option for handling Bhutanese cargo, offering improved connectivity and reducing pressure on the Narayanganj port. This will be further assessed following site visits by the Bhutan side.

A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for standards and certification will be pursued between the Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) and other relevant Bhutanese authorities with the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and other relevant Bangladeshi authorities at the earliest. It was also agreed to establish a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) under the umbrella of the PTA to discuss and expedite trade-related issues including the perusal of a FTA and enhancement of products under the PTA.

Both sides further agreed to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) engagement by enhancing bilateral trade initiatives between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The Government of Bangladesh also invited Bhutan to regularly participate in the Dhaka International Trade Fair to promote Bhutanese products and expand market access.

Furthermore, the meeting agreed to reconstitute the International Banking Sub-Committee Group and explore additional measures to address payment-related challenges faced by Bhutanese exporters, with a view to facilitating smoother trade transactions between the two countries. The meeting also agreed that both sides would meet regularly through the various bilateral forums such as the Joint Group of Customs and Joint Trade/Technical Committee meetings to address and advance the trade and related agenda between the two countries in a regular manner.

Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and promoting mutually beneficial trade relations. With a total trade of US$ 85 million in 2025, Bangladesh is the second largest export destination for Bhutan.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 & 𝐋𝐏𝐆 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬

The Department of Trade, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, wishes to assure the public that there is adequate stock of fuel and LPG in the country.

✅ No supply disruptions are expected.
✅ Fuel dealers maintain sufficient reserves.
✅ Strategic reserves are in place for emergencies.

We strongly advise the public not to panic buy or store fuel in jerry cans or other containers, as this poses serious safety and health risks.

Please refer to the attached advisory for full details.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭