Thimphu, 20 September 2022 (TDI): The European Union (EU) and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) officially launched the Sustainable Agriculture Food Systems Budget Support Program in Bhutan on Tuesday.

The EU has invested about EUR 15 million in this five-year EU-funded budget support program.

Agenda of the Program

The European Union Ambassador to Bhutan and India, Mr. Ugo Astuto, and Finance Minister of Royal Government of Bhutan, Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, launched the program in the presence of Lyonpo Yeshey Penjor, Minister for Agriculture & Forests, and EU Members of Parliament (MEP).

The EU budget support program will assist Bhutan in promoting sustainable agriculture-food systems which are inclusive and resilient to the impact of climate change.

The program will support Bhutan in diversifying the Renewable Natural Resource (RNR) Sector through green economic growth opportunities.

In addition, this program ensures food and nutritional security, manages natural resources sustainably, and combats climate change. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests will be the lead implementing agency of this program.

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador H.E. Ugo Astuto said “I am pleased to launch this new EU budget support program for Bhutan. The EU assistance will contribute to reinforcing the resilience of food systems and enhancing food security”.

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Multi-indicative Program 2021-27

The European Union is collaborating with the Bhutanese Government in the RNR sector through the Global Climate Change Adaptation flagship initiative.

Moreover, the EU has ensured its commitment to addressing Bhutan’s strategic priorities through the Multi-indicative Program 2021-27.

In addition, the EU will invest about EUR 31 million for the first phase of its Multi-indicative Program in the country.

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