Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts continue to thrive despite increasing commercial pressures, with Nepal and India imports declining. Local artisans remain engaged with external clients. The government is implementing measures to protect local art and craft products, ensuring quality, exploring new market opportunities, and introducing “Bhutan Made Certification” to distinguish authentic Bhutanese crafts from mass-produced imports. The home affairs ministry is enhancing skill development and innovation through new curriculums and initiatives promoting cultural heritage education for children.
Lyonpo Tshering emphasized that the government is dedicated to collaborating closely with the HAB to put rules into place that protect regional craftspeople from outside competition and advertise handcrafted goods from Bhutan. The craft center sells only traditional arts and crafts, according to MoICE Minister Namgyal Dorji, and similar facilities are being built in Trashigang, Mongar, Pemagatshel, and Punakha.
