Why “Big No” to KFC, Mc. Donald, King Burger etc. in Bhutan?

Bhutan for centuries has remained without the influence of western world particularly due to its geographical situation and now no more in a safe zone with modern development and its doors opened up to the outside world since 1961. However, Bhutan was wise enough for years to remain choosy under many circumstances and today we are proud of having many things which have been lost in the other parts of world including, culture values, environment and community harmony.

However, it will not be far where Bhutan will encounter the same fate like those nations and may lose forever the gift of our forefather if our policy does not continued to support with strong commitment.

As per the article, KFC and Piza Hut eye Bhutan by Phuntsho Wangdi, “the KFC and Piza Hut have tabled a project proposal to set up Business in Bhutan to FDI committee of the government and it is in the process of looking into the feasibility of the proposal.”

As an individual, I wish and pray that such proposal do not get through and fail to accord approval from the government. I am sure the expertise working with FDI proposal will look into it carefully and decide for the long term interest of nation and GNH screening tools will give sufficient test so that every aspect are taken care of.

The establishment of KFC, Piza Hut, Mc Donald, King Burger etc. may for a short term fulfil the exciting desire of the people, but in longer run it will have lots of negative impact both socially and economically including lost of our cultural values. Moreover, in small nation like Bhutan with just mere population of 0.650M, the effect will be more devastating.

The opening up of such FDI will compromise the existing business particularly the restaurants and hotels around the country with limited market. Also known and sufficient evidence from the countries which the FDI are operating with serving fast food, the health of population will be compromise with various man-made diseases like diabetes, Obesity, etc. and ultimately increase in Healthcare cost. Many researches has shown the evident of positive correlation between fast food and diet related diseases which includes works of Chou et al(2004), Cawley (1999), Bleich et al. (2007) etc.

Further, Bhutan a Buddhist country with principle of “compassion” and its continued efforts to educate people to help animals free from suffering, if ever the business gets established will be a big blow and will it will become more challenging. 

Can Bhutan efforts to open such FDI? Will have to be questioned by every citizen and remind government time and again to make a rational and conclusive decision. Yes, so far we have been able to keep away but what will be in future, will depend on our decision and it will be moral responsible for every one of us.