Bhutanese creativity on the central stage

(Geneva/Thimphu) - The first Creative Industries Export Strategy of Bhutan - 2021-2025 was launched today.

Mr. Kinley T. Wangchuk, the Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property, representing the Ministry of Economic Affairs, RGOB, Ms. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of the International Trade Centre and Mr. Gerald Daly, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Bhutan office inaugurated the Strategy.

Young artists and creators in Bhutan can now look forward to an increased support for their creative endeavours.

The launch of the Creative Industries Export Strategy follows 9 months of extensive consultations with medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), sector associations, public sector and training institutions, which helped define the needs and priorities for developing the creative sector during 2021-2025. Based on detailed mapping and diagnostic review of the sector, the Strategy provides clear strategic directions for reforms required to establish a progressive, sustainable and high-quality creative sector. The Strategy has been developed to align and complement the objectives of the Bhutan Vision 2020, the 12th Five Year Plan and the 21st Century Economic Roadmap.

The DOIP Director General, reading the message of MoEA Secretary, said, 'Creativity in the Bhutanese arts and crafts has always been an intricate part of Bhutanese national consciousness. Bhutanese arts and crafts are not merely the remnants of a bygone age, but they are the manifestations of a living Bhutanese culture that are cherished and practised as a tradition that continuously live in the minds of the people and society on everyday basis. The Ministry of Economic Affairs takes great pride in launching the first Creative Industries Export Strategy of Bhutan'.

Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre, said, 'The strategy will focus on establishing a favourable policy and regulatory framework as well as reinforcing the institutional and educational support in order to spark the creativity of medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to access key markets, while also supporting them to prepare for a post-COVID recovery'.

Mr. Gerald Daly, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Bhutan office said, 'The country can benefit more from a well-coordinated approach in monetizing the cultural sector and this strategy paper provides that strategic direction. I firmly believe that the creative sector can largely contribute to the aspirations of the 21st century economic roadmap of Bhutan'. 

The Creative Industries Export Strategy includes a detailed five-year plan of action with a set of activities to provide a solid foundation for the growth of the film, music, graphic design, including the related software development sector.

The Strategy is a result of collaboration between the Department of Trade and the Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Bhutan and the International Trade Centre, under the Trade Development Strategy programme and its work on a creative industries methodology.

Notes for the Editor

About the Ministry of Economic Affairs

The Ministry's core function is to create a green and self-reliant economy sustained by an IT enabled knowledge society guided by the philosophy of GNH (Gross National Happiness). The Ministry's focus is also to enhance economic growth through economic diversification, including hydropower development, strengthening export and creating an enabling environment, including institutions and infrastructure for the sustainable growth of the economy through public & private sector development.

About ITC

The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit www.intracen.org.

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About United Nations, Bhutan office

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193 Member States, the mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. On September 21, 1971, the Royal Government of Bhutan became the 128th member of the United Nations. The Office of the United Nations in Bhutan was established in early 1974. Since then, the country has been home to many UN agencies, funds and programmes that together support the Government in delivering national development needs and improving the socio-economic conditions of the people of Bhutan.

In 2021, the UN in Bhutan has turned 50 years in Bhutan.

Contact:

International Trade Centre

Vittorio Cammarota

Chief, Communications and Events

T: +41 22 730 0322

E: vcammarota [at] intracen.org (vcammarota[at]intracen[dot]org)