Asian Least Developed Countries

Bhutan

Bhutan made significant progress towards fulfilling its commitments under the Brussels Program of Action. The seven commitments were effectively integrated into their national development framework and reflected in Bhutan's Ninth Five Year Plan(2002-2007). The development themes prioritised in the Ninth Plan were poverty, governance, preservation and promotion of historical and cultural heritage, environment, employment, women and children, and private sector development. The broad strategies to achieve the above goals included:

a) Expansion of infrastructure, in particular feeder roads to improve rural access, power transmission lines to facilitate export of power and to promote growth and development of power intensive industries, and telecommunication infrastructure and information technology to develop the country into a knowledge-based society.

b) Sound macro-economic policy by maintaining a healthy level of foreign exchange reserves, a sustainable level of domestic and external debt, and an economic growth rate of 7-8%per annum.

c) Ensuring good governance through the devolution of power and financial resources to the Block Development Committees, enactment of Legislation for the Block and District Development Committees, and adoption of a constitution.

d) Improving access and enhancing social services by consolidating and improving the quality of social services with limited expansion, human resource development, and strengthening the existing service facilities.

Further, the Government of Bhutan initiated the process of formally launching the national forum for the follow-up and monitoring of the implementation of the BPOA. The Ministry of Finance was identified as the focal agency to coordinate the work of the important national committee that included representatives from other relevant agencies of the Government, civil society and the private sector. Most significantly, the Government made a contribution of $1500 towards the Trust Fund of the OHRLLS.