BHUTAN Aid fact sheet: Updated October 2017

BHUTAN

Aid fact sheet: Updated October 2017

@DFAT DFAT.GOV.AU

Sources: *GNI: World Bank 2014; Population: IMF WEO where available, the EIU or other reputable source

*Total ODA figures excludes development assistance from some non-DAC donors.

ODA = Official Development Assistance

US2,380 (2015) GROSS DOMESTIC INCOME PER CAPITA*

779,000 (2015) POPULATION*

$9.2 MILLION ESTIMATED AUSTRALIAN ODA 2017-18

Australia is supporting Bhutan’s development by helping to build individual and institutional capacity in this young democracy.

Strategic direction

Australia is a modest but well regarded donor to Bhutan. Education remains the central pillar of the bilateral aid program.

The overarching goal of the Australian aid program to Bhutan is to build the capacity of individuals and institutions, underpinned by gender equality principles. Two objectives support this goal:

 building human capacity through the provision of scholarships for tertiary education (Australia Awards and Endeavour Awards); and

 building institutional capacity through linkages with Australian institutions (public sector and civil society).

In 2017 we will offer 33 long-term and 31 short-term Australia Awards to Bhutanese students.

In 2016-17 the 17 Australian Volunteers for International Development placed in Bhutan.

Program highlights

 Australia, through the Awards program has trained senior civil servants in Bhutan, helping to strengthen public sector leadership. Awards alumni include the Secretaries for Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education and the Gross National Happiness Commission.

 Between 2007 and 2016, Australia offered 520 long and short term Awards to Bhutanese students for study in Australia.

 Australia’s support for the Royal Institute of Management has resulted in the establishment of masters courses in business administration, public administration and management.

Key framework document

Bhutan Program Strategy 2013-2017

16%

6%

69%

8% 1%

Australian ODA to Bhutan, by Investment Priorities 2017-18

Infrastructure and Trade

Education Health

Building Resilience

Estimated Outcome ($m)

2017-18 Budget Estimate ($m)

Country Programs 2.1 2.1

Regional 4.1 5.7

Global 1.0 1.1

Other Government Departments 0.3 0.3

Total Australian ODA to Bhutan 7.6 9.2

% of Total Australian ODA 0.2% 0.2%

*Due to rounding, discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items and totals.