To broaden sectorial representation, the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) elected seven new members to its Executive Committee yesterday, expanding the committee’s membership from 12 to 18. This is to improve sectorial involvement for more informed and effective decisions. The committee include members from the BCCI and private sectors from across the country.
The Executive Committee works to enhance coordination among businesses and the government, to address the needs of different industries and regions.
According to the BCCI, the decision to increase sectorial representation came after it found the need for comprehensive input from key business sectors.
The newly elected representatives are from the Association of Wood-Based Industries, Bhutan Exporters Association, Association of Bhutanese Industries, Automobile Sectors Association of Bhutan, Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association, Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs, and Bhutan Concrete Product Association.
The BCCI president said that increased representation can lead to stronger collaboration between the BCCI, the government, and various industries.
Tandy Wangchuk, the President of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Representation for the associations is very important. Right now, we have a lack of experts at BCCI. Right now, many of the issues and laws are under review. But we are not forgetting the grassroots level. We have four regions and four representatives for the regions in the EC as well.”
The new members shared about how better representation of sector associations will streamline collaboration and address challenges faced by different sectors.
Lal Bdr. Gurung, the Automobile Sectors Association of Bhutan’s President, said “I hope to be the bridge between the automobile sector, the BCCI, and the government. Moreover, I am also joining to serve all businesses and help the private sector grow as a whole.”
Members also expressed concerns over the lack of documentation, especially for women in the informal sector.
Damchoe Dem, the President of the Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs said “I feel that the contributions of women in the informal sector have not been well documented. Because of this lack of documentation, planning has often been ad-hoc and uncoordinated. With better collaboration and everyone on the same page, we can have a much stronger and more impactful outcome.”
The new executive members will represent the business community, promote trade and investment, provide leadership and services, and support entrepreneurship.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sherub Dorji
