AGP Executive Report
Last update: 4 hours agoGross Ecosystem Product (GEP): Bhutan became the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2bn for 2024 and positioning it alongside GDP and Gross National Happiness. Trade & Logistics: Bhutan’s Mega Dry Port in Pasakha is completed and now awaits operations, a Nu 1.2bn facility meant to streamline cargo clearance, reduce pressure on Phuentshogling, and cut heavy-vehicle movement. Payments & Cross-border Ease: UPI is now accepted in 11 countries including Bhutan, with India’s new UPI MDR framework set to start from Oct 15, raising questions on whether merchant charges will apply overseas. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah used the UNGA to argue for climate justice and proposed a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism led by Nepal, India and China—an approach that directly links regional risk management with cross-border cooperation. Digital Banking Linkages: Bangladesh Bank issued letters of intent for digital banks, including DK Digital Bank backed by Bhutan’s DK Bank, as part of a push toward branchless banking and wider financial inclusion.
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