In the response to requests received from the Bhutanese government, India has made special trade concessions on the export of wheat and sugar to the country, Indian Embassy in Bhutan said.

“As a special gesture, India has authorised the shipment of wheat and sugar, as per Bhutan’s requirements i.e. 5000 MT of wheat and 10,000 MT of sugar, to be imported by the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited and other leading industries in Bhutan,” the Indian Embassy in Bhutan said in a statement on Friday.

The government of India restricted the export of wheat and sugar earlier this year to strengthen India's food security after sudden changes in the global market affected the price and availability of these two commodities.

Previously, India had made various trade concessions for Bhutan including lifting the restriction on the import of potato only from Bhutan, allowing the import of fresh wholly produced ginger from Bhutan, supplying Nano Urea / Nano Nitrogen Fertilizer (Liquid) to Bhutan at a special concessional rate, and supplying coal to Bhutan.

Despite the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and disruptions in the global supply chains, India has been extending the fullest cooperation and support to Bhutan in order to ensure the smooth movement of commodities during this period.

The statement added “Our close trade and economic ties are a reflection of the exceptionally close and friendly relations between India and Bhutan that has existed over decades. In view of this special relationship, notwithstanding global supply chain disruptions and shortages of various commodities, India has decided to accommodate Bhutan’s special requests”.

On 26^th July, the Indian Embassy -- in collaboration with the Conference of Indian Industry (CII) and the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) -- organised a webinar to discuss trade opportunities between Bhutan and Northeast India, with a focus on products & services such as processed food, furniture, grains, spices, edible oils, PVC pipes, tiles & sanitary ware, paints, household goods, bio-fertilizers, renting & leasing services, insurance services, multi-level car parking, advertising, digital marketing, etc.

Image source: Reuters