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News and Press Release from Ministry of Finance

Press Release on Implementation of Bill Discounting for Government Contracts (Works)(08-Jan-2025)

Posted on by Webmaster | Department of Treasury and Accounts News

January 07, 2025 – The Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Financial Institutions of Bhutan (FIAB), is pleased  to announce the launch  of the Bill Discounting facility. 

This financial facility aims to:

  1. Enhance cashflow and liquidity for contracting firms;
  2. Improve operational efficiency by reducing payment delays;
  3. Ensure smooth project execution.

Bill Discounting is a financial product/instrument wherein a contracting firm can obtain immediate cash from a bank or financial institution by discounting their bill receivables from the government agencies. This initiative aims to improve liquidity in the construction sector by providing timely access to funds and ensuring smooth business operations by addressing cash flow gaps by converting receivables into immediate cash. The Bill Discounting facility will operate through a collaborative process involving the contracting firm(Drawer), financial institutions, and procuring agencies. Under this arrangement, the financial institutions provide discounted payments upfront based on receivables verified and confirmed by the procuring agencies.

Initially, the facility will be piloted for the government works only, with plans for gradual expansion to include goods and services contracts.

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Press Release on SASEC (08-Nov-2024)

Posted on by Webmaster | Department of Macro-fiscal and Development Finance News

  1. The Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program hosted the 2024 Annual SASEC Meetings in Thimphu from November 4-8, 2024.
  • The Senior Officials Meeting was held on November 8, 2024 chaired by Aum Leki Wangmo, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and co-chaired by ADB Director General, Mr. Takeo Konishi.
  • The Senior Officials Meeting was preceded by 12th Customs Sub-group Meeting held in September 2024 and three SASEC Working Group Meetings for Trade Facilitation, Transport and Energy held from November 4-7, 2024.
  • The Senior Officials Meeting reinforced cooperation in trade, transport, and energy to foster economic growth, also addressing new institutional mechanisms on economic corridor development, digital payment mechanisms and Action Plans for SASEC Initiatives (APSI) for 2024-2026.
  • The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in a project-based partnership that aims to promote regional prosperity, improve economic opportunities, and build a better quality of life for the people of the subregion. SASEC countries share a common vision of boosting intra-regional trade and cooperation in South Asia, while also developing connectivity and trade with Southeast Asia.

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