A parliamentary delegation composed of four Members of the European Parliament (led by Vice-President Ms Evelyn Regner, with Ms Ulrike Müller, Mr Tomáš Zdechovský and Mr Maximilian Krah) paid an official visit to Bhutan and Nepal during the week of 19 to 23 September 2022. During their visit to Bhutan, they were invited to participate in a dinner, in support of the Regional Food Programme of SHINE, on 19th September, 2022 at Hotel Zhiwaling Ascent.
The dinner highlighted the use of locally and sustainably sourced products such as papaya flower, banana flower and Tupistra (a genus in the family Asparagaceae). The raw ingredients – flower blossoms and shells were displayed together with the handicrafts from Eastern Bhutan, in particular from Trashi Yangtse and Zhemgang. The flower dishes were made in authentic Bhutanese style by Folk Heritage Restaurant in Thimphu, which has extensive experience in making Bhutanese dishes and is one of the prominent restaurants for both local and tourists in Thimphu.
rs. Tshering Wangmo, Local Coordinator of GrAT and Executive Director Mr. Chorten Dorji from HAB, were also present at the event and discussed with the Delegates the potential Bhutan has with regards to the hospitality sector and the role rural Bhutanese products can play in boosting the local economy.
The event also witnessed the participation of His Excellency Ambassador of the EU to India and Bhutan, Mr Ugo Astuto, senior delegates from the EU Delegation in India, Heads of UN agencies among other dignitaries.
Feedback gathered from the Delegates will further benefit the discussion on sustainable consumption and production as economic growth cannot be at the cost of the environment.
