Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

From Vision to Deals: Inside Bhutan Agrifood Trade and Investment Forum 2.0

Duration: 4:44 478 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

The Bhutan Agrifood Trade and Investment Forum 2.0 served as a pivotal platform designed to accelerate the nation's agricultural transformation by connecting over 300 participants from diverse sectors including government bodies, international organizations, private enterprises, and financial institutions. Organized jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock alongside key partners like the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union, the event shifted the focus from mere possibility to concrete execution. The primary objective was to position Bhutan not just as a market destination but as a responsible hub for high-value, sustainability-driven agriculture, emphasizing that true success relies on empowering local farmers and fostering robust partnerships. During the forum, high-level policy discussions were held to align national priorities with global investment directions, while state-owned enterprises and private sector entities presented bankable agro-business cases. The event facilitated direct engagement through B2B matchmaking sessions where international investors outlined their funding priorities, and it actively engaged entrepreneurs and youth by showcasing a wide array of agricultural products. Special attention was given to celebrating the International Year of Women Farmers and Rangelands, with women entrepreneurs and artisans displaying their agro-products and textiles, thereby highlighting the inclusive nature of Bhutan's agricultural vision which extends beyond simple economic growth to include environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods. A significant outcome of the gathering was the formalization of strategic partnerships between Bhutanese and international stakeholders, resulting in the signing of nine memoranda of understanding and two expressions of interest. These agreements collectively represented an investment interest exceeding USD 20.03 million, signaling strong confidence in Bhutan's future within the agrifood sector. By mobilizing blended finance and addressing risk factors, development partners and financial institutions played a crucial role in unlocking new opportunities for trade and innovation, ensuring that the potential of Bhutan's fields could be fully realized through shared commitment and resources. In conclusion, the forum successfully demonstrated that Bhutan's doors, people, and fields remain open to global collaboration, fostering a renewed sense of hope and deep confidence in what can be achieved together. The event proved that the country is investment-ready and aligned with a vision rooted in cross-national happiness and environmental stewardship. As the forum officially closed, it left a lasting impression that the path forward involves executing tangible projects that support farmers while building a sustainable future where economic progress harmonizes with the well-being of rural communities and the natural environment.

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Building on the momentum of [music] Bhutan's agri food transformation, Bhutan once again opened its [music] doors to the world. The Bhutan Agri food trade and investment forum Bativ 2.0 O brought [music] together over 300 participants from government, international organizations, the private sector, financial institutions, and development partners [music] to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, [music] FAO, the Asian Development Bank, ADB, and the European [music] Union. Batiff 2.0 served as Bhutan's premier platform for accelerating agri food investment, partnerships, and market linkages. >> Today, we no longer ask that question. Today we answer it. But if 2.0 is not about possibility, it is about execution. It is about partnerships. It is about investments. It is about markets. And most importantly, it is about our farmers. Ladies and gentlemen, encouraged partners [music] and investor to view Bhutan not only as a market but as a platform for responsible high value and sustainabilitydriven agriculture. Development partners and financial institutions play essential roles in the risking investment and mobilizing blended finance. The forum highlighted highlevel policy [music] discussions to align national priorities and investment directions. Bankable [music] agro business investment cases by state-owned enterprises and private sector. B2B matchmaking sessions [music] to facilitate direct engagement and partnership building. Reverse pictures by international investors outlining funding [music] priorities and criteria. We are here because we want to see and share the potential [music] that Bhutan has. You see, at the end of the day, I've always [music] traveled the world for products that can back up my mission. >> Partif.0 [music] engaged entrepreneurs and youth as exhibitors who showcased diverse agricultural products. >> [music] [music] >> But if [music] 2.0 O also celebrated the international year of women farmers and the international year of rangeelands and pasturalists which had [music] women entrepreneurs and artisans showcasing their agroducts and textiles. A major outcome [music] of Batiff 2.0 was the formalization of strategic partnerships between Bhutanese and international stakeholders. Nine memoranda of understanding [music] and two expressions of interest were signed during the forum. Together these agreements and commitments represented more than USD 20.03 million in [music] investment interest and partnership opportunities signaling strong confidence in Bhutan's agri food future. And always [music] remember Bhutan's doors, Bhutan's people and Bhutan's field will remain open to you. With the heart filled with gratitude, renewed hope and deep confidence in what we have and what we can achieve together. I now declare whatif 2.0 officially closed. >> But if [music] 2.0 O is more than a forum. It is proof that Patan's agri [music] food sector is open, investment ready and aligned with a vision that [music] goes beyond economic growth. The one rooted in environmental sustainability, rural livelihoods and cross national happiness.