Bhutan : Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1)

Sovereign Project | 56010-001

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) severely impacted economic activities and fiscal balance in Bhutan. Economic growth was decelerating even before the onset of the pandemic. In response to the crippling effects on lives, livelihoods, and healthcare, the government announced a series of fiscal and monetary relief measures to mitigate the impact on economy and households. The government has outlined its medium-term post-pandemic strategy for a sustained, inclusive, and green economic recovery in the upcoming 13th Five-Year Plan. The proposed program aims to support the government's post-pandemic economic vision by strengthening domestic resource mobilization (DRM), promoting private sector development, and supporting foundation for green economic recovery over the medium term.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Sapkota, Chandan
    Sectors Group
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Bhutan
  • Sector
    • Public sector management
Project Name Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1)
Project Number 56010-001
Country / Economy Bhutan
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
Loan 4229-BHU: Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1)
Concessional ordinary capital resources lending US$ 37.35 million
TA 6971-BHU: Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1)
Technical Assistance Special Fund US$ 1.00 million
Operational Priorities OP1: Addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities
OP2: Accelerating progress in gender equality
OP3: Tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability
OP5: Promoting rural development and food security
OP6: Strengthening governance and institutional capacity
Sector / Subsector

Public sector management / Public expenditure and fiscal management

Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) severely impacted economic activities and fiscal balance in Bhutan. Economic growth was decelerating even before the onset of the pandemic. In response to the crippling effects on lives, livelihoods, and healthcare, the government announced a series of fiscal and monetary relief measures to mitigate the impact on economy and households. The government has outlined its medium-term post-pandemic strategy for a sustained, inclusive, and green economic recovery in the upcoming 13th Five-Year Plan. The proposed program aims to support the government's post-pandemic economic vision by strengthening domestic resource mobilization (DRM), promoting private sector development, and supporting foundation for green economic recovery over the medium term.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy Bhutan's gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged 5.5% between FY2011 and FY2019. National poverty rate decreased from 23.0% in 2007 to 8.2% in 2017. Large state-led investment in hydropower sector sustained high-growth rate and impressive poverty reduction over the last 2 decades. The overall macroeconomic framework remains sound with high GDP growth rate, modest inflation rate, low fiscal deficit, macroprudential-focused monetary policy, and adequate foreign exchange reserves. The country's risk of debt distress is assessed as moderate. Bhutan is expected to graduate from United Nation's least developed country category in 2023 and it aspires to become a high-income country by 2030 with targeted per capita income of $12,375. It implies a $10 billion economy with an annual real GDP growth rate of 10.0% over the next 10 years, much higher than $2.5 billion economy in FY2021 and an average 5.4% growth rate between FY2011-FY2019.
Impact
Project Outcome
Description of Outcome
Progress Toward Outcome
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs
Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)
Geographical Location Thimphu
Safeguard Categories
Environment C
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects
Involuntary Resettlement
Indigenous Peoples
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design
During Project Implementation
Business Opportunities
Procurement not applicable
Responsible ADB Officer Sapkota, Chandan
Responsible ADB Department Sectors Group
Responsible ADB Division Public Sector Management and Governance Sector Office (SG-PSMG)
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Finance
Timetable
Concept Clearance 02 Jun 2022
Fact Finding 03 May 2022 to 23 May 2022
MRM 12 Aug 2022
Approval 17 Oct 2022
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 17 Oct 2022

Loan 4229-BHU

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
17 Oct 2022 18 Oct 2022 26 Oct 2022 31 Dec 2022 - 31 Dec 2022
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 37.35 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 37.35 09 Sep 2023 37.35 0.00 100%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 09 Sep 2023 37.35 0.00 100%

TA 6971-BHU

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
17 Oct 2022 01 Nov 2022 01 Nov 2022 30 Sep 2025 - -
Financing Plan/TA Utilization Cumulative Disbursements
ADB Cofinancing Counterpart Total Date Amount
Gov Beneficiaries Project Sponsor Others
1,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,000,000.00 09 Sep 2023 117,990.70

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

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Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

None currently available.


Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

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Related Publications

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Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1) - Resource Person (national) Individual - Consulting Closed
Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1) - Investment Expert (international) Individual - Consulting Closed
Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1) - Competition Policy/Legal Expert (international) Individual - Consulting Closed
Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1) - Climate Change Adaptation Expert (international) Individual - Consulting Closed
Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1) - Resource Person (national) Individual - Consulting Closed
Public Financial Management Expert (national) Individual - Consulting Closed
Public Financial Management Specialist (international) Individual - Consulting Closed
Fiscal Sustainability and Green Recovery Program (Subprogram 1) - Economist (International) Individual - Consulting Closed
Institutional coordination specialist and team leader (national) Individual - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

No contracts awarded for this project were found

Procurement Plan

None currently available.