Japan and Bhutan have entered into a partnership to produce the traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage, sake. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard on Friday, February 18, 2023. The MoU was signed between the Bhutanese Ambassador to Japan, V. Namgyel, and the President of the Japan Sake Brewers Association, Tadashi Okushima.
According to the MoU, Japan will provide technical assistance to Bhutan to establish a sake brewery in the country. The Bhutanese government will provide land and other necessary infrastructure for the brewery. The partnership aims to produce high-quality sake using Bhutanese rice and Japanese sake-making techniques.
The initiative is expected to promote the cultural exchange between the two countries and enhance economic cooperation. The project is also expected to create job opportunities in Bhutan and promote the country’s tourism industry.
In a statement, Ambassador Namgyel said that the partnership with Japan in the field of sake production is a testament to the growing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He expressed confidence that the project would bring mutual benefits to both countries. The President of the Japan Sake Brewers Association also expressed his optimism about the project and said that he hopes it will contribute to the promotion of sake culture in Bhutan and around the world.