Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) has disclosed its complete manifesto, placing a strong emphasis on the nation’s economic growth over the coming decade.

DNT aspires to transform Bhutan into a developed nation by 2034, targeting a USD 5 billion economy by 2029 and a remarkable USD 10 billion by 2034. This economic expansion plan is set to significantly boost GDP per capita, with projections of USD 4,256 by 2029 and exceeding USD 12,000 by 2034.

To achieve these ambitious goals, DNT’s strategy primarily focuses on strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and technology. The party aims to cultivate a business-friendly environment that attracts investments and generates employment opportunities.

Notably, the manifesto highlights DNT’s growing experience over the last five years, underlining the importance of achieving self-reliance “Rang-go Rang-drup,” in critical sectors such as food security, home security, and economic security.

The party has laid out concrete targets, including the creation of 1,000 jobs in the digital economy by 2024.

A substantial increase in the share of the digital economy in GDP from less than 1 percent to 10 percent, a reduction of the trade balance deficit from 26 percent to under 20 percent, an increase in the share of manufacturing in GDP from 6 percent to 15 percent and a remarkable increase in the annual average household income from USD 5,000 to USD 30,000. Moreover, DNT seeks to double the contribution of existing sectors with growth potential to GDP by 2029.

Looking ahead to 2034, DNT envisions further economic growth with targets such as increasing private sector investment from 50 percent to over 60 percent, raising the annual average household income from USD 30,000 to USD 60,000, and tripling the share of existing sectors with growth potential in GDP.

DNT has pledged to diversify economic activities by empowering and involving the private sector, increasing FDI investments from Nu 43 billion to Nu 100 billion over the next five years and an upsurge in private sector investment from 40 percent to over 50 percent. Additionally, they plan to establish an Economic Development Board responsible for guiding and developing the nation’s economic roadmap.

In the realm of healthcare, DNT demonstrates unwavering commitment to improving the sector. Plans include the completion of a multi-disciplinary super specialty hospital to provide comprehensive services domestically, offering preventive measures and home delivery of medicines for vulnerable and at-risk populations, and enhancing the working conditions for health workers through improved incentives, allowances, and recognition of their dedicated service.

For the education sector, DNT affirms its ongoing commitment to prioritize education, with a focus on budget allocation. They aim to provide housing for all teachers within school campuses through a phased public-private partnership (PPP) financing model, strengthen and support the school feeding program by increasing student stipends according to international standards (WFP), and provide additional administrative and support staff to ease the workload of teachers.

In the agriculture sector, DNT’s plan is to contribute to an annual growth rate of 7-8 percent in GDP, increasing it from Nu 30 billion in 2021 to Nu 50 billion in 2029 and Nu 70 billion by 2034.

This growth will be achieved through a strategic focus on high-value agriculture, livestock production, processing, and marketing.