AIT Hosts Capacity-Building Program on Fiscal Sustainability and Economic Policy for Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance Officials

By: Dr. Syed Muntasir Husain Bokhari

AIT School of Management (SOM) recently conducted a specialized capacity-building training program on Fiscal Sustainability, Economic Policy Strategy, Budget and Expenditure Analysis for officials from the Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan, from 9 to 13 March 2026 in Thailand. The five-day program brought together five government professionals working in key policy and budget management roles, including social policy specialist, senior budget officer, project coronation officer, and budget assistant. The initiative was supported and funded by UNICEF, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening fiscal management and sustainable economic development.

The program was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of fiscal sustainable frameworks, economic policy strategy, and public budget and expenditure analysis, while also providing exposure to best practices in fiscal governance and policy implementation. Through a combination of expert lectures, policy discussions, and practical knowledge sharing, the training aimed to strengthen analytical capabilities and support evidence-based decision making within Bhutan’s public financial management system.

Throughout the week, the participants engaged in thematic sessions addressing key policy areas relevant to modern fiscal management. The program opened with discussions on Fiscal Sustainable Enhancement, focusing on maintaining fiscal discipline and evaluating long-term fiscal stability. This was followed by sessions on Public Infrastructure Projects, which explored financing mechanisms, public investment management, and the role of infrastructure in driving national development.

Another important theme was Economic Monitoring and Policy Response, where participants examined how governments track macroeconomic trends and respond effectively to economic challenges through timely policy interventions. The program also included a site visit to the Ministry of Finance of the Kingdom of Thailand, allowing participants to gain firsthand insights into institutional practices and policy coordination within Thailand’s public finance system.

The final theme addressed Economic and Social Development Planning, emphasizing how fiscal policy and budget allocation can support inclusive growth and sustainability development outcomes. These sessions provided valuable perspectives on aligning fiscal planning with national development goals and social policy priorities.

The course featured distinguished resource persons and senior officers from key Thai government agencies, including the Fiscal Policy Office, State Enterprise Policy Office, Public Debt Management Office, and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, all operating under the Ministry of Finance, Kingdom of Thailand. Their expertise provided participants with practical insights into fiscal policy formulation, public debt management, economic monitoring, and development planning.

By bringing together policy practitioners from Bhutan with experienced officials from Thailand, the program created an important platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and regional cooperation. Participants expressed strong appreciation for the practical learning approach and the opportunity to gain deeper insights into fiscal policy tools and public finance management practices.

The training reflects AIT’s continued commitment to supporting internal capacity development and policy learning across Asia, particularly in areas such as fiscal sustainability, economic governance, and public sector management. Through partnerships with governments and development organizations such as UNICEF, AIT SOM continues to play a key role in strengthening institutional capacity and promoting sustainable economic development in the region.