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Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, Asian Development Bank (ADB), encouraged the active participation of Bhutan in regional cooperation programs to help develop its full potential by enhancing connectivity with its neighbors, facilitating trade, and boosting tourism.

In remarks delivered during a 3-day visit to Bhutan in September 2017, the ADB Vice President emphasized that increasing connectivity with other countries in the region and setting up special economic zones will benefit Bhutan's private sector by bringing in more foreign direct investment.

He highlighted the potential of hydropower to raise Bhutan's GDP, and remarked that ADB will continue to support hydropower projects, as well as other renewable energy projects in solar and wind. The transport sector, particularly air transport, will also receive continued support to invite more tourists into the country.

ADB will continue to further strengthen its 35-year partnership with Bhutan, through a country strategy that is well aligned with Bhutan's national strategies to bring in holistic development and contribute to raising the country's Gross National Happiness.

Bhutan is a founding member of the ADB-supported SASEC Program, a project-based partnership that aims to promote regional prosperity, improve economic opportunities, and build a better quality of life for the people of the subregion.

Since 2003, the Government of Bhutan has approved 9 ADB-financed SASEC investment projects worth around $508 million. A total of 10 national technical assistance projects with cumulative worth $10.7 million have assisted Bhutan in project preparation, strategic planning, and capacity building.

Related Links:

• ADB VP Calls for Strengthened Partnership Between Bhutan, ADB
• “Your country is still one of the fastest growing economies in the region”