The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE), through the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DoEE), officially launched the National Entrepreneurship Strategy (NES) 2026 under the Enhancing Climate Resilience of the Urban Landscapes and Communities in Thimphu-Paro Region of Bhutan (ECRUL) Project at the Startup Center in Changzamtog, Thimphu on 20 June 2026.
The launch ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of MoICE and attended by the Secretary of MoICE, the Director General of DoEE, representatives from UNDP and the World Bank, entrepreneurship support organizations, entrepreneurs, and officials from the Ministry.
The National Entrepreneurship Strategy 2026 represents a significant milestone in Bhutan’s efforts to foster a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The strategy aims to strengthen entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, innovation, and private sector development.
Developed in response to emerging economic opportunities and challenges, the strategy addresses issues such as youth unemployment and the need to expand the private sector’s contribution to the national economy. It also supports the aspirations outlined in Bhutan’s 21st Century Economic Roadmap by promoting enterprise-led growth and economic diversification.
NES 2026 provides a unified national framework for entrepreneurship development and is organized around six strategic pillars:
- Policy and Governance
- Access to Finance
- Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Culture
- Business Support Services
- Market Access
- Innovation, Research and Development
The strategy outlines 60 priority interventions to be implemented through coordinated efforts among government agencies, the private sector, development partners, and entrepreneurship support organizations.
The launch of NES 2026 reaffirms the Royal Government of Bhutan’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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