โฆ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ข ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐๐๐-๐ข๐ง-๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐ ๐จ๐จ๐๐ฌ.
By Lhendup Wangmo
A new Cottage and Small Industry (CSI) Market has opened in Samdrup Jongkhar, marking the third such outlet in Bhutan after those in Thimphu and Paro. The market is designed to promote locally made products both within Bhutan and internationally, offering a range of goods including organic produce, handcrafted items, traditional textiles, and herbal wellness products.
With over 80 different locally made products now available, the market aims to serve as a key platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs, especially from Bhutanโs eastern and southern districts, to showcase and sell their creations.
The newly established CSI Market is quickly becoming an attraction for both locals and tourists. Its unique range of offerings highlights Bhutanโs rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage, drawing attention from visitors seeking authentic Bhutanese products.
Jambay Yeshi, Chief Industries Officer at the Department of Industry, emphasized the potential of the CSI initiative, saying, โCSI holds significant potential for fostering eco-diversification and adding value to local resources. By reducing imports and promoting sustainable practices, it strengthens the local economy and creates self-employment opportunities.โ
Kuenzang Leki, a resident and private operator of the market, expressed excitement about the new venture, stating, โWe are thrilled to offer new products here. With high-quality standards and attractive packaging, our goal is to attract tourists and promote โMade in Bhutanโ goods, with plans to expand into larger markets.โ
The CSI Market is expected to create more job opportunities and improve livelihoods in a region that has long struggled with limited access to markets. The dzongkhag administration will ensure that only Bhutan-made products, focusing on value-added goods, are sold at the market.
At the inauguration, officials highlighted that the market would not only cater to domestic consumers but also offer pathways for Bhutanese products to reach international markets, boosting the visibility of Bhutanese goods globally.
This new market follows successful launches in Thimphu in 2020 and Paro in 2023, continuing Bhutanโs efforts to support and promote locally produced goods. As a collaborative effort between the Department of Industry, local entrepreneurs, and the Asian Development Bankโs technical assistance program, the CSI Market represents a milestone in boosting the local economy, supporting small businesses, and promoting Bhutanโs cultural heritage.
The CSI Market offers a dedicated space for local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small-scale industries to showcase and sell their products. This initiative not only creates valuable income opportunities but also fosters innovation, helping local businesses thrive and grow. Furthermore, the market is expected to enhance the region’s tourism appeal, offering visitors the chance to explore and purchase authentic Bhutanese products, from traditional handicrafts to organic food items.
In line with Bhutanโs commitment to economic self-reliance and sustainable development, the CSI Market provides a long-term solution to strengthen the local economy, connecting producers to broader markets. By encouraging the growth of small businesses, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to regional economic development, the CSI Market plays a crucial role in shaping a resilient future for Samdrup Jongkhar and Bhutan as a whole.