"Based on the study estimates, the total contribution of CBIs to the Bhutanese economy in 2008 was 5.5% of GDP or Nu.3,009 million; 10.1% of total employment or 25,215 persons; 4.0% of total exports or Nu. 912.4 million; 6.9% of total imports or Nu.1,604.8 million. The contribution of CBIs to GDP wa...s only Nu. 648.8 million or 2.8% in 2001, but it increased almost fivefold by 2008. In other words, CBIs grew at a rapid pace of about 21.3% per annum, outperforming the national economy, which grew at 9.0% during the period. Interestingly, each of four CBI groups surpassed the national growth rate during this period. The core and interdependent CBIs grew the fastest at 123% per annum, followed by the non-dedicated support industries at 14.5%. The high rate of growth of core CBIs during this period is due to the low base of growth. Prior to the year 2000, the main core CBIs such as printing press, literature, films, TV and cable TV, IT and IT-enabled services hardly existed. Their significant growth took place only after the year 2000. Given the unique structure of the Bhutanese economy and the differing growth among CBI groups, the partial CBIs are relatively more significant in Bhutan. The core and partial CBIs accounted for an overwhelming 75% of the total CBI share of GDP in 2008. This is because many of the core and partial CBIs flourished due to economic liberalisation, which became more systemic, especially after 2005. This is also due to the promotion of cultural tourism. The core CBIs accounted for about 34%, partial contributed 41%, non-dedicated support industries accounted for 14%, and the interdependent CBIs 11% of the total value added of CBIs. The relatively small share of the interdependent CBIs is due to the weak manufacturing base in Bhutan." (Executive summary, p.5-6)
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"The biennial Digital Review of Asia Pacific is a comprehensive guide to the state-of-practice and trends in information and communication technologies for development (ICTD) in Asia Pacific. This fourth edition (2009-2010) features 30 economies and four subregional groupings. The chapters provide u...pdated information on ICT infrastructure, industries, content and services, key initiatives, enabling policies, regulation, education and capacity building, open source and R&D initiatives, as well as key ICTD challenges in each of the economies covered." (Publisher)
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