Bcci Beset With A Gamut Ofchallenges

Inadequate cooperation from the government, theprivate sector and lack of financial sustainabilitypose critical challenges to the effective functioningof Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry(BCCI).

The Secretary General of BCCI, Sangay Dorji,said the Chamber failed to position itself asthe apex body for the private sector sincea proper institutionalized arrangement between the Chamber, thegovernment agencies andwith the private sector didnot exist.

He said the Chamber'sideal function is to bridgethe issues, grievancesand ideas of the privatesector routing through thechamber and reach outto the government andvice versa. However, theconsultations had beentaking place in a haphazardway.

'The government wouldreach out directly to businesshouses for consultationsand thus the Chamber is notoptimally utilized.'According to him, theprivate sector is involvedin direct consultation withtheir known officials inthe government, whichdisrupts the steady flow andfunction of the Chamber.'Utilizing the Chamber willcreate an ideal situation foreveryone,' he said, addingthat identification of largerissues and those affecting thewhole sector or cross sectorcan be prioritized oversmaller individual issues.Eleven associations havebeen brought under theumbrella of BCCI to worktogether since fragmentationof individual sector leads tovarious implications.Sangay Dorji cited anexample of how the tourismsector comes in conflict withthe entertainment sector likethe hoteliers.Lack of awarenessand advocacy about theexistence of the chamberand its functions remain achallenge. Trade-fares, exposand exhibitions are the coremandates of such chambersaround the world.

'However,for BCCI to organize tradefairs, the chamber has toseek permission from theDepartment of Trade,'Sangay Dorji said.Financial sustainabilityis a critical challenge for thechamber at the moment.Membership fees are asource of revenue and ithas been deteriorating overthe years.

The chamber hasbeen sustaining from thebudget subsidy from thegovernment.The chamber gets Nu10.05mn annually and 20%goes to the SAARC Chamberof Commerce and Industry.However, the chamber'srevenue is not enough tomeet BCCI's recurringexpenditure.

'Right now, our energiesare focused on ways toget financial assistanceand pay employees ratherthan the core mandatesof the chamber.Tradefairs were organized togenerate revenue for thechamber though it has amore vital role to play,' saidSangay Dorji, adding thatthe chamber's...