The Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment inaugurated the second ‘Bhutan Store’ in New York City, United States of America on 28 July 2023. The virtual inaugural event was graced by Lyonpo Karma Dorji, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.

The first Bhutan Store – CSI market outlet was established in Perth, Australia coinciding with the 115th National Day celebrations on 17 December 2022. Till date, the Bhutan Store in Perth has been performing well due to the large number of Bhutanese in Western Australia.

The main objective of establishing the Bhutan Store in third countries is to enhance international market access - one of the main barriers that hamper the growth and development of CSIs. The outlet will promote Bhutanese products, particularly high-value niche products, and earn convertible currency, encouraging CSIs to enhance value addition, upscale, and improve efficiency, while generating employment opportunities in the country.

The ‘Bhutan Store' in New York City as the CSI market outlet will serve as a one-stop center for all CSI products from Bhutan. The store will initially target and serve the Bhutanese populace in New York City and gradually increase its reach and presence in other parts of the USA.

The ‘Bhutan Store’ in New York City will be operated by Mr. Kelsang Buchung, a Bhutanese resident in New York, in partnership with Mr. Sonam Chophel, CSI Aggregator in Bhutan. In both USA and Australia, the Department of Industry and the CSI Aggregator was able to identify committed and credible Bhutanese residents that are well-versed with business rules and other mandatory requirements in the host countries, as partners.

The operators in these two countries aspire to conduct sustainable business and contribute in small ways to CSIs development and the nation-building process in partnership with the Department and the CSI aggregator. It is an example of a public-private partnership with the Department of Industry, providing initial support for logistics and establishment of the store. The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Project of the Department of Trade also provided partial fund support towards meeting the logistics cost for this initiative.

The ‘Bhutan Store' is located at 45 Street, Woodside, New York City, USA.