EU-Bhutan Business Forum

Exploring Investment Opportunities in Sustainable Development

The European Commission presents the first-ever EU–Bhutan Business Forum in January 2026, featuring a main event in Brussels followed by roadshow events in Frankfurt and Prague. This high-level forum brings together H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, and H.E. Mr. Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, alongside prominent investors, business leaders, and influential corporate figures from Europe and Bhutan to explore emerging investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral ties.

Forum Focus

As 2025 marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and Bhutan, this forum presents a unique opportunity for business and government leaders to explore investment prospects in Bhutan. With political stability, dynamic economic growth, and strategic access to Northeast India, Bhutan offers untapped potential for European businesses seeking regional expansion. The forum serves as a platform to foster partnerships, discuss key opportunities, and advance sustainable development objectives aligned with the Global Gateway initiative.

Strategic Partnership Context

The European Union has maintained strong partnership with Bhutan since 1982, with recent cooperation focusing on economic diversification and local governance strengthening. In 2024, the EU and European Investment Bank signed a €150 million renewable energy loan financing solar and mini-hydro projects across Bhutan. As one of only seven nations graduated from Least Developed Country status to Middle-Income Country standing, Bhutan represents a key partner in advancing Global Gateway objectives through sustainable investments, particularly in green energy and climate action—areas where Bhutan leads globally as the world's first carbon-negative country.

Key Focus Sectors

While covering broad opportunities, the forum emphasizes four priority sectors:

• Agribusiness and Forestry: Exploring sustainable agriculture and forest management opportunities

• Green Energy: Advancing renewable energy projects and climate action initiatives

• Information and IT-Enabled Services: Developing ICT infrastructure and digital economy capabilities

• High-End Wellness: Expanding hospitality and wellness sector investments

The forum also addresses key thematic areas including education, circularity, and sustainable cities, with the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City—a Special Administrative Zone under development—presenting diverse opportunities for innovative EU businesses.

Forum Activities

Knowledge Building: Participate in sector-specific breakout sessions, interactive roundtables, and insightful plenary sessions bringing together leaders and experts from both regions.

Presentations: Engage with case studies, best practice sessions, and product showcases highlighting innovative solutions and successful partnerships.

Networking Sessions: Participate in B2B, B2G, and B2F matchmaking sessions, dedicated networking moments over lunch and coffee, and celebrate new partnerships during the gala dinner.

Why Attend

Senior Leadership Access: Connect with Bhutan's most senior government and business leaders, including Prime Minister participation alongside EU Commissioner and key investors from both regions.

Market Intelligence: Gain exclusive access to in-depth market insights across sectors, subsectors, value chains, and individual projects while exploring collaboration prospects with Bhutanese companies and stakeholders.

Financing Partner Engagement: Engage with major European financial institutions including the European Investment Bank and private financing partners supporting regional investment.

Business Environment Influence: Deepen understanding of Bhutan's business landscape while engaging with local private sector leaders and senior government officials to help shape future business environments.

What to Expect

This inaugural forum opens new avenues for European investors across rapidly growing sectors driven by Bhutan's politically stable market, increasing openness, and strategic regional positioning. The event facilitates business expansion opportunities within Bhutan and the wider Northeast India region while supporting shared EU-Bhutan objectives in sustainable development, green energy advancement, and climate action leadership through structured networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership development activities.