Welcome Address by the Director, Department of Labour on the Launch of the Community for Skilled Workers (C4SW)

His Excellency, the Minister of MoICE, our esteemed Chief Guest, Dasho Secretaries, DGs, Directors, CEOs and representatives from international agencies, contractors, private home builders, local skilled workers, and representatives of foreign workers. Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen.

It is with immense pride and great honor that we extend our warm welcome to everyone on this special occasion—the launch of the Community for Skilled Workers— C4SW. Your presence here today is a powerful testament to your unwavering commitment and shared vision for strengthening our national skilled workforce to meet the demands of our evolving labour market. C4SW, locally named as Kherig Laksel Thuentshog reflects a community of skilled workers united in the spirit of collaboration, harmony, and mutual support and embodies the essence of working together and empowering each other with shared commitment to growth and excellence.

Today marks an important milestone as we bring together our skilled workers from across the country, starting with local plumbers and electricians, to form a strong and responsible citizenry of professional workforce, dedicated to supporting the growth of society and the economy. This launch is deeply meaningful as it coincides with the auspicious 45th birth anniversary of our beloved King, making it a celebration of National Vision, Progress, Strength, Resilience and Excellence.

C4SW is a joint initiative of the Department of Labour and our local plumbers and electrician. The presence of these skilled professionals in their uniforms, who are also the members of C4SW with us today shows their dedication to mastering their skills and building a stronger nation by offering quality, reliable services at fair prices, and through strong Branding, benefiting every local customer, client, and home builder and building their trust and confidence in the local workers.

I am confident that C4SW will provide a structured platform to improve coordination, efficiency, and engagement among skilled workers, while its members will always try to meet the the trust and expectations placed on them by the nation and people.

A productive workforce is crucial for economic growth and failing to recognize the importance of labour force would be a serious mistake in our path to progress. Therefore, the Department of Labour is expanding its role beyond regulation to correct the basic fundamentals of the labour market, knowing that a strong and balanced labour market is fundamental to achieving economic growth.

The funding from the Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) to the Department of Labour will be judiciously used to support local skilled workers with re-skilling and up-skilling, certification and branding, on-the-job-training of TVET trainees, and access to modern tools. This support will boost the skills, motivation, and productivity of our workforce, improving its quality and competitiveness.

We are deeply grateful to the Government of India for this support through ESP. We requests for the continued support knowing that every penny invested will yield meaningful and lasting benefits for our workers and the nation.

Bhutan, with its small working population, has always benefited from the support of foreign workers, especially from our neighbor West Bengal, India, who have helped build our infrastructure and economy. We always remain deeply indebted to their contribution.  And we hope  that C4SW will create a platform for all workers, regardless of nationality, to work together, strengthen the local workforce, and ensure balanced employment.

Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Hon’ble Chief Guest Mijey Lyonpo and our Dasho Secretary for supporting this initiative.  I also hope that each of us will continue to support C4SW in achieving its vision, mission, and objectives, ensuring a stronger and more skilled workforce for Bhutan. With that, I warmly welcome you all once again and thank Mijey Lyonpo for having consented to grace the occasion.Thank you and Tashi Delek!