Agriculture remains the dominant sector, contributing about 38% of GDP (1995). The high proportion of the workforce it currently employs, the welfare role it satisfies and the lower cost of living in rural areas further enhances the importance of the sector. Within the modern sectors, the dominance of the state is reflected in the significant contributions of mining and quarrying, electricity, transport and communication, construction, financial services and community and social services. The economy has thus far been able to register healthy growth rates, with an average rate of around 6.8% over the decade 1985-95. The major growth areas lie within the small modern economy; however there has also been a steady increase in agricultural productivity.

Within the traditional sector an expanding range of government development services has helped stimulate increases in production and the gradual development of markets. Due to the relative scarcity of productive plots - less than 8% of total land area is under cultivation - an emphasis has been placed on the more efficient use of existing areas. An extensive system of agricultural services has made possible significant increases in yields and some diversification of production. With the introduction and promotion of several cash crops, notably fruits and vegetables, the agricultural sector now supplies both domestic and regional markets. However, although nearly every farmer has experienced some benefits, the overall development of the sector is hindered by the perpetuation of traditional subsistence-based modes of production, market constraints, particularly the limited road network, and relatively low land productivity. Furthermore, strategic emphases on rice production, food self-sufficiency and environmental concerns do not necessarily direct the sector towards its comparative advantages.

The government has been and remains the driving force behind the development of a modern sector of the economy. The state is both the principal producer and source of demand through infrastructure projects. In the interests of stability and environmental and cultural conservation, many potential markets have yet to be fully exploited. Since 1987 there have been considerable initiatives to develop the private sector into a leading engine for future economic growth. Policies have been implemented which maintain macroeconomic stability while liberalizing the financial system. Public sector industries have been privatized or corporatized. Industrial infrastructure is being developed, in the form of estates and service centers. Special programs have been set up to foster the development of cottage and small industries. However, in spite of such steps, the response from the private sector has currently lagged behind expectations. Most entrepreneurs possess a trading mentality and the modern private sector remains trade rather than industry based. The sector is therefore small, concentrated around the major urban centers, provides few employment opportunities and creates only limited added value.

The government has been very careful and considered in its approach to the macroeconomy. The management of public finance is informed by the priorities of stability and self-reliance. Government expenditure and deficit financing are therefore maintained within acceptable boundaries, and, although dependent on external assistance for capital expenses, recurrent costs are now met from domestic revenues. The Government of India (GOI) has been Bhutan's leading development partner since the start of planned development. The country now receives assistance from around 15 multilateral organizations, 19 individual donor countries, 4 financial institutions and a few non-governmental organizations. In the early 1980s aid amounted to about 50% of GDP. However, with subsequent economic growth, this figure is now below 20%. The policy towards external assistance is guided by the need to avoid excessive dependence. In this sense, the government does not attempt to attract the maximum amount of aid available, favoring the development of longstanding relationships with non-aligned nations. Nevertheless, given the underdeveloped state of physical infrastructure and the high unit cost of development interventions, significant capital investments are required if the country is to successfully modernize.

Non-tax revenues dominate government income. In this regard, the state possesses considerable advantages derived from its ownership and measured exploitation of the natural resource base. With the current construction of additional hydropower facilities, energy generation will soon treble, and significant further potential remains. The government therefore possesses the ability to expand future development inputs without generating significant macroeconomic instabilities - through debt financing or increasing the money supply - or placing excessive pressure on the expansion of the tax base. Given the low surpluses within the traditional sector, revenues are predominantly accrued from the modern sector of the economy. However, it will become increasingly important to broaden the tax base and make the tax structure more efficient.

The responsibility for monetary policy lies with the Royal Monetary Authority. The central objectives are to maintain price stability whilst increasing the current level of investment. The inflation rate is currently under 9%, and inflationary pressures are controlled through the establishment of an exchange rate link, pegging the Bhutanese Ngultrum to the Indian Rupee and keeping a tight rein on the money supply. The state currently possesses significant foreign exchange reserves and maintains tight foreign exchange restrictions. There is currently no private foreign direct investment. Excluding grants the current account deficit is approximately 20% of GDP, with about 80% of all trade conducted with India. Gross Domestic Savings have increased appreciably, doubling over the past decade to approximately 30% of GDP. Interest rates are administratively determined, with borrowing rates at 15%. Efforts have been continuing to develop an efficient financial sector. There are now four major financial institutions and fledgling stock and bond markets have been established. However, there is currently a significant gap between interest rates on savings and borrowing and significant excess liquidity within the sector.

To date cautious policies have attempted to bring about a gradual evolution of the economy, whilst focusing attention on developing the social and political foundations upon which such transformations might occur. In this sense, although the economy is an important aspect, it certainly has not achieved political primacy and remains tightly regulated. However, given the fundamental social changes occurring, the ongoing development of a suitable and effective enabling environment will place increasing attention on economic development and structural change. The high initial productivity gains from technology and organizational innovations are now reducing, and focus is swiftly shifting from economic mobilization to efficiency, in both policy and business spheres. Indeed, successful economic development will require the increasing financial efficiency of development policy interventions and the creation of a macroeconomic environment that stimulates private enterprise and guides the restructuring of the economy towards the nation's comparative advantages.