Bhutan Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment

Bhutan is a latecomer to the ICT space, with the earliest efforts at introducing TV or other forms of information and communications technologies (ICTs) dating back to 1999. The country is therefore well positioned to reap the advantages of a late starter in the technology space by not having any legacy systems, but having reliable access to electricity, access to relatively more cost effective technologies and opportunities for adoption of new (and open) standards. In addition, Bhutan is characterized by a unique environment for development of an ICT-based society by way of a stable and vibrant government, a small population, widespread knowledge of English, good telecommunications network in many of the urban areas and the Government’s commitment to adopting ICT as a development tool.