Transcript
Improving Market Linkages for Cottage and Small Industries in Bhutan
From July 2020 until December 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has implemented the technical assistance (TA) project – Improving Market Linkages for Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) in Bhutan.
Jambay Yeshi, Chief Industries Officer, Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment:
Under this JFPR-funded ADB TA, we have 12 CSIs on board with the project and the main components are aimed to improve the market access.
The project was supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific.
To improve the market access for the cottage and small industries, there are requirements of trainings, development of new packaging, labeling and designs under the project, inputs from other agencies particularly in the area of standardization, in certification of the food products, and to undertake study visits in One Tambon One Product (OTOP) industries to get hands-on experience on standardization, certification and industry exposure to learn the best practices.
In terms of the impacts, I would like to underscore that it has brought in enormous positive impacts in terms of improving product quality, packaging, labeling standards, and awareness creation among the CSIs in terms of how significant the standardization or certification is and in providing capacity building for the service delivery agencies under this project.
Bhutan Herbal Tea and Deki Natural Dyes are two of the 12 CSIs that benefitted through this project.
However, like many other CSI producers in Bhutan, both Wangchuk and Deki have been facing challenges linking their products to markets abroad.
Wangchuk Kuenga, Founder and Proprietor, Bhutan Herbal Tea, Bumthang, Bhutan:
I think it was very expensive for a small farm like ours to penetrate international market, especially given so many requirements.
Through JFPR and ADB, we were able to do a lot of product testing like shelf life, nutritional facts, and a lot of national requirements.
In that way, now we have become ready for international market.
We are very grateful for that.
As her business grew, Deki dreamed of sharing Bhutanese traditions through her craft with the world.
Deki, Founder and Proprietor, Deki Natural Dyes, Thinleygang, Thimphu, Bhutan:
If JFPR has not supported us through this project, we would not have known about how to market with good packaging and good stories.
So, after we received this JFPR training on how to link our products with high-end markets, I am now confident that my natural dye-based business will flourish in the future.
The project has also benefited the employees of the 12 CSIs, even transforming their lives and bringing about significant benefits and positive changes.
Tshering Wangmo, Employee, Bhutan Herbal Tea, Bumthang, Bhutan:
By working for Bhutan Herbal Team, me and my husband are now able to help both our parents.
We are happy to lead a decent life through our earnings from here.
We are also optimistic that through better marketing strategies and expansion, this business will do better and make all of us earn higher income in the future.
Tendrel Zangmo, Weaver, Deki Natural Dyes, Thinleygang, Thimphu, Bhutan:
I have been working with Deki for many years.
It has been more than seven years since I got separated from my husband. However, I am happy now since I can earn for myself through Deki’s business.
I don’t even know how my life would have been if I was not working here.