WTO negotiations
The Kingdom of Bhutan has formally resumed its negotiations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) after an 18-year hiatus. A high-level delegation, led by Minister Namgyal Dorji, met in Geneva on July 9, 2026, marking a milestone in the country's internationalization strategy.
The Kingdom of Bután has formally resumed negotiations for its accession to the Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC)a process that had been suspended for eighteen years. The 5th Meeting of the Working Group, held in Ginebra, SuizaJuly 9, 2026, marks a historic turning point in the Asian country's trade opening and economic development strategy.
The Bhutanese delegation was headed by Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Industry, Trade and Employment (MoICE). High-ranking representatives of the Ministerio, project managers Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and members of the technical team of Departamento de Comercio and other key government agencies.
A milestone for the internationalization of Bhutan
The way of Bután to the OMC It began in 1999 with the creation of its Working Group, holding four meetings between 2003 and 2008. The decision to reactivate the process was approved by the Lhengye Zhungtshog (the cabinet of ministers) in 2025, after an intense period of preparations that included the updating and validation of nineteen documents on its trade regime, laws and market access commitments.
During his speech, the Minister Namgyal Dorji He reflected on the long interval: "Although eighteen years have passed since the last meeting of the Working Group, the passage of time has allowed the country to learn more, strengthen its institutions and better prepare itself to become a member of the OMC».
Reforms and structural challenges in the negotiation
The minister explained to the members of the OMC the considerable economic, legislative and institutional reforms attacks by ButánThese include improvements in the trade and investment climate, the modernization of its regulatory framework, and ongoing efforts to diversify the economy.
However, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji He also highlighted the structural challenges it faces Bután , the small, landlocked developing countrywhich has also recently moved out of the Least Developed Country category. In this regard, he asked members to "calibrate their expectations to current realities and development needs of Bután» as negotiations progress.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the delegation held bilateral meetings with key figures in global trade, such as Dra. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the OMC; Daren Tang, Managing Director of the Organización Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual (OMPI); Pedro Manuel MorenoActing Secretary General of the UNCTADand the ambassador Alexander Kmentt de Austria, chair of the Working Group of the OMC all with Bután.
| Key Milestone | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Start of the membership process | 1999 |
| First meetings of the Working Group | 2003 - 2008 |
| Approval to resume negotiations | 2025 |
| Formal Resumption (5th Meeting) | July 9, 2026 |
| Adherence objective | End of 2028 |
Roadmap and long-term objectives
The resumption of negotiations is a crucial step in the country's economic development. The goal is to achieve a positive outcome. "balanced, practical and aligned with its long-term development aspirations"With your membership, Bután It seeks to foster a more open, transparent and predictable business environment, strengthen the confidence of investors and business partners, and promote the growth of the private sector.
The roadmap approved by the Royal Government sets as its goal the completion of accession to the OMC all with 2028 lateprovided that the negotiations are successful and all the requirements of the process are met.
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