Bhutan: Asian Development Bank Member Fact Sheet 2017

Abstract

Bhutan is one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia. Economic growth has averaged 7.5% a year over the past 3 decades, and the country’s poverty rate was cut roughly in half between 2007 and 2012. Yet, the challenge remains for Bhutan to expand its economic base and make growth more inclusive, especially for unemployed youth and women. Developing a vibrant private sector is key to diversifying Bhutan’s economy, generating more broadly based growth, and creating sustainable jobs. Since 1982, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has supported Bhutan through various programs, mainly in energy, transport, finance, and urban development. ADB has committed loans totaling $495.67 million, grants of $209.96 million, and technical assistance of $52.75 million for Bhutan. Cumulative disbursements to Bhutan for lending and grants financed by ordinary capital resources (OCR), the Asian Development Fund (ADF), and other special funds amount to $505.8 million.