Thinley Namgay started Druk Metho, a social enterprise that produces agricultural products. Using raw materials purchased from rural farming communities, he creates products to be sold both within and outside Bhutan. When Bhutan sealed its borders to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Druk Metho’s sales plummeted as tourists were the main buyers of his products. He is now looking to widen his reach in the international market and has connected with a retailer in Australia. With funding support from the Loden-Bhutan Foundation Covid-19 Response Grants, Thinley will enhance and rebrand his products, and improve logistics and packaging to export Bhutanese agricultural products to Australia. With the profits, Thinley will increase the range of products for export, as well as create more affordable products for the local market.

This project is funded through the Loden-Bhutan Foundation Covid-19 Response Grants, with the generous support of the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development in partnership with the Bhutan Foundation.