Digital payments are a key enabler of cross-border trade, supporting faster, more secure transactions and expanding opportunities for businesses to participate in regional and global markets. Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024–2029) identifies a stronger digital ecosystem as a critical driver of economic growth and a means to overcome the challenges of its landlocked geography and relatively small domestic market. As part of this vision, Bhutan aims to achieve 99.9% uptime for domestic and international payment gateways by 2029. To support the Government of Bhutan in achieving these ambitious targets, this report assesses the country’s digital payment ecosystem, identifies key barriers to the adoption and growth of digital payments, and draws on international experiences to provide strategic recommendations for strengthening Bhutan’s digital payments landscape.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2026

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Tags: Bhutan, Trade Facilitation,

This report gives statistics on economic, financial, social, environmental measures, and select indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Statistics for Development Bank's members, including South Asian countries, cover figures for energy, transport and communications, and international trade and logistics.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2025

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Tags: ADB, South Asia, Sustainable Development Goals, Transport,

World Trade Statistical Review 2020 presents the latest developments in world trade, with analysis of recent trends for trade in goods and services. The report examines the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on international trade, and provides data on trade in least developed countries as well as in countries under the South Asian Free Trade Area.

Author: World Trade Organization

Year: 2020

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Tags: SAFTA, South Asia, Trade Facilitation,