Austrian Parliamentary delegation calls on the Hon’ble Speaker and Parliamentary Committee
A ten-member Austrian Parliamentary delegation led by Ms. Petra BAYR, Hon’ble Member of Austrian Parliament, and Chair of Development Cooperation Sub-Committee called on the Hon’ble Speaker today the 6th of March 2023.
The Hon'ble Speaker welcomed the delegation and spoke highly of the friendly relations shared by the two countries. The Speaker also expressed gratitude to the various support rendered by the Austrian Government on Five Year Plans, renewable hydro energy, environment, tourism sector, and vocational institutes among many others.
The Speaker shared that Bhutan is on the transition to a middle income country and the graduation is good for the country. However, the difficulties posed by post Covid, the wars and instability of the economy in the world at large would make its path quite challenging. Collaboration at such cross roads would be nice. The Speaker also shared that it is timely that the Members of Parliament visit Bhutan at this juncture.
Ms. Petra BAYR on behalf of the delegation expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the warm hospitality and spoke on exploring possibilities of cooperation at the Parliamentary level to keep close ties and to further strengthen the strong friendship between the countries.
The call also took note of the possibilities to collaborate on the best practices of e-Parliament, use of solar energy and green technology.
Later the delegation also met with the Parliamentary Committee Members of the Economic and Finance Committee. The meeting covered a wide range of topics ranging from Gross National Happiness (GNH), happiness index, transformations, possible ways to improve female representation in the political process and various support rendered by the Austrian Government to Bhutan. The meeting also saw discussions on the parameters and policy tools of GNH and how it is interlinked with the planning process.
The delegation is on a seven day visit to the country.
