Ms Neeta Boochra, President FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) led one of the largest Women Business Delegation to Bhutan from 10-14 September 2014. The Business Interest of the visiting delegation varied from Education, textile, gems & jewellery, Chemical, garments, Agriculture, Waste Management, Real estate, infrastructure, etc.
During the visit the delegation had meetings with the following
Prime Minister – Hon’ble Tshering Tobgay
Economic Minister – Mr Norbu Wangchuk
Indian ambassador – Mr Gautam Bambewala.
Her Majesty Queen Mother – Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk
Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry along with businesses
Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurship(BROWE)
All these meetings highlighted and helped in deepening as well as expanding the synergies between the businesses of both countries.
Beside this to understand and appreciate the land of the thunder Dragon first hand interactions with the local Bhutanese, particularly regarding the ‘Happiness Index’ as propagated by Bhutan was also discussed.
Key Takeaways from the Delegation
- 2 Members from FLO offered scholarship for courses of M.B.A and Architecture to 2 women/ youth student from Bhutan.
- 1 Member offered to host new artists for a month and give them training along with Indian and international artist and painters.
- 1 Member offered to give teachers training to 6 -10 teachers for two months in the areas mutually agreed.
- Another member was happy to collaborate in the area of agriculture, for which she had a separate meeting with the Bhutanese Minister of Agriculture.
- 1 member looked forward to collaborate in setting up of a Restaurant Chains of Bhutanese Cuisine in India.
- Beside these there were many B2B meetings out of which some may convert into fruitful business. The meeting with BAOWE, which also represents SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC) just like FLO does – discussed issues pertaining to SAARC- SCWEC and further collaborations that could be possible.
The audience with the Queen Mother helped to bring forward FLO’s activities on skill upgradation, capacity development and empowerment of women, girl child & youth as also how FLO could work in this sphere.
