Bhutan

Inauguration of the Exhibition of Cane and Bamboo products

Statement by Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov
Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bhutan
at the inauguration of the Exhibition of Cane and Bamboo products,

Honorable Minister of Economic Affairs, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk
Dashos, distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen:

It gives me great pleasure to be part of the inauguration ceremony for the Exhibition of Cane and Bamboo Products. I would like to thank the Department of Industries of the Ministry of Economic Affairs for inviting me to make a few remarks at this event.

While Bhutan has made commendable progress both in terms of economic and social development, income poverty and unemployment remain a concern. This fact underscores the need for economic growth to better include the rural poor. One way of bringing them on board is to utilize the factors of production that the poor already possess, particularly their traditional and cultural skills. With that in mind, UNDP has been working closely with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to encourage local initiatives and the development of rural enterprises. Supporting cane and bamboo artisans is one such initiative as a large number of rural villagers earn their main or supplementary income through these products.

The Bhutan Cultural Industries Sector Baseline Report launched earlier this week indicates that income from cane and bamboo products makes up 70% of the income of rural families in some areas. Through the joint UNDP-RGOB effort, we were able to train 400 artisans in quality improvement and the creation of new products, a programme which has benefited almost 5,000 people in rural communities. However, one of the crucial barriers that we continue to face in increasing rural income is the difficulty in the expansion of sales of locally produced items.

Efforts are now underway led by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to create access to markets through the development of new products and the creation of long-term linkages between our producers and the users. In an encouraging development, we see that many hoteliers and other enterprises involved in the tourism sector are interested in products made with natural, sustainable raw materials. I have no doubt that such initiatives will go a long way towards creating more economic opportunities and improving the lives of rural communities. They accomplish the important task of bridging indigenous talents and skills with the poverty reduction goals, and promote women’s empowerment through their increased contributions to household incomes.

UNDP in Bhutan is very happy to be associated with programmes and initiatives that link community development, private sector engagement and poverty alleviation together in a holistic process. I would like to reiterate the continued support of UNDP – and indeed the UN system as a whole – for promoting the sustainable livelihoods of entrepreneurs and artisans, both women and men, in rural areas.

I would like to acknowledge and commend the work of the Department of Industries in supporting rural artisans. Through the enhancement of product quality and the facilitation of access to markets, DOI has undertaken to improve the living standards of rural people in the less developed areas in keeping with the focus of the 10th Five-Year Plan on targeted poverty reduction interventions.

I would also like to thank the SNV Bhutan Country Office for technical assistance provided throughout this project. Importantly, we must recognize the artisans’ enthusiasm and willingness to improve their industry. Thank you for being with us today to exhibit these honest and practical results of your labor which make Bhutanese products ever more appealing.

I would like to conclude my brief remarks by congratulating the Honourable Minister and all those who provided leadership and support to this initiative for their contributions to developing rural industries and livelihoods.

Thank you and Tashi Delek!