Bhutan's accession to the WTO : prospects and challenges | |
| Author | Dorji, Tshering |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.SM-06-09 |
| Subject(s) | World Trade Organization Bhutan--Economic conditions |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration, School of Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. SM-06-09 |
| Abstract | Bhutan is a small landlocked country, nestled in the remote eastern Himalayas, bordering China and India. Although, Bhutan opened its door to outside world only a couple of decades ago, the ever growing affects of globalization was deeply felt. It has seen globalization as a positive gesture towards economic development. Hence, with a growing need to operate based on non-discrimination principles, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, opening to goods markets, investment, services and intellectual property, Bhutan has shown keen interest to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) with a desire to foster economic development. To this end, Bhutan has applied for accession to the WTO and currently it holds an observer status since April 1998. Today, Bhutan is at a cross roads. While Bhutan's integration to world economic seems symbolic, the question still remains if Bhutan can truly benefit from joining WTO. This research study therefore analyses the possible prospects and challenges of Bhutan's accession to the WTO through assessment of key economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, hydropower, industries and the TRIPS. This research also aims to study the overall working of WTO, its benefits and challenges and looks at how it will be beneficial towards enhancing healthy economy growth. The study shows that the main challenge lies with the supply side constraints. Finally, the research provides some recommendations to facilitate Bhutan's accession process and to improve the competitiveness in supply side in order to reap the benefit of trade liberalization upon joining the WTO |
| Year | 2006 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. SM-06-09 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Management |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Publication code=SM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Tang, John C.S.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Sununta Siengthai;Donyaprueth Krairit,; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Austria; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.B.A.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006 |