Bhutan eyes agricultural expansion with mini-market in Singapore

Bhutan recently concluded its mini-market event in Singapore after Bangkok, as part of its shift to market-oriented agricultural system from subsistence farming 

Bhutanese entrepreneurs are looking for post-event business exchanges with clients and consumers from Singapore. This anticipation is built on the interests generated from the mini-market's diverse displays, including everything from processed foods to agricultural goods from 11 Bhutanese agri-food entrepreneurs. 

Backed by Singaporean partners, JICA Bhutan and the IFC-World Bank Group, the mini-market had a Bhutanese delegation led by the country's Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho. “Bhutan offers the world something special, a clean, natural, and high-quality food products grown in one of the last pristine environments on Earth,” said Younten Phuntsho. 

Bhutan's food offerings thus effortlessly meet sustainability criteria even as the world looks at it as a goal to be reached. Known for its one-of-a-kind and sustainably produced eatables, Singapore's regional market has peaked Bhutan's interests for a meaningful partnership.

Environmental responsibility besides, public health also remains a priority for the Bhutan government in developing the country's agriculture industry for a stronger economy at large. 

Acknowledging all the partners involved, the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC) shared its long-term plans to promote Bhutanese agri-food products in global markets through such events and trade platforms.