Gelephu Special Administrative Region

Last updated
Gelephu Special Administrative Region
Country Bhutan
Region Gelephu
Government
 • TypeSpecial Administrative Region with its own Basic Law
Area
 • Total
2,500 km2 (1,000 sq mi)

Gelephu Special Administrative Region (stylized as GeSAR), also known as GelephuMindfulness City, is a planned special administrative region and economic hub in Gelephu, Bhutan, that covers an area of 2,500 square kilometers. [1] It will also serve as a connectivity between South Asia and South East Asia.

Contents

The plan for SAR was addressed to the public by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan on his Royal Address coinciding with the 116th National Day celebration on December 17, 2023. [2]

Background

It was the planned project of the King of Bhutan for several years. The SAR or the Gelephu Mindfulness City will have its own laws and systems and the development will start through Foreign Direct Investment. The Monarch of Bhutan has held a talk with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on the project and a possible 58 km railway connection between Gelephu of Bhutan and Kokrajhar of Assam, India, was discussed. The development will start with the expansion of Gelephu Domestic Airport to international airport from the monsoon of 2024. It will be the part of Sarpang district Special Economic Zone. [1] [3]

Development Model for GMC

Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to foster innovation and economic development while maintaining Bhutan’s commitment to mindfulness and environmental sustainability. It is organized around seven key economic clusters: [4]

The city seeks to address critical challenges like youth unemployment and urban migration, while promoting renewable energy, ethical investments, and mindful living.

Historical Context

GMC was unveiled as part of Bhutan’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and create opportunities for its youth. The project emphasizes Bhutan’s cultural identity while leveraging modern technologies and sustainable practices. [5] Its development was highlighted at the Bhutan Innovation Forum in 2024, where it was endorsed by Nobel laureates Joseph Stiglitz and Michael Spence, architect Bjarke Ingels, and Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel.

Governance and Structure

GMC operates as an autonomous administrative region with independent executive, legislative, and judicial systems. The governance framework prioritizes transparency and accountability, ensuring a business-friendly environment while promoting mindfulness and sustainability. [6] The project is led by prominent figures, including Mun Leong Liew as CEO and Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering as Governor. The Board of Directors comprises experts in investment, infrastructure, education, and technology, guided by His Majesty the King as Chairman. The Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA) enacted the first law receiving Royal assent from His Majesty the King on 26 December 2024, adopting 18 Singaporean laws as its primary legal framework and 10 Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial regulations to govern company law, taxation and financial services [7] [8] .

The city’s financial ecosystem is intended to be modeled on international best practices, incorporating stringent KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations and anti-corruption protocols.

Environmental Sustainability

GMC is claimed to exemplify Bhutan’s philosophy of “Building with Nature.” The city integrates renewable energy sources, preserves biodiversity, and promotes low-impact urban living. Infrastructure projects, including the airport and advanced digital networks, will be powered entirely by green energy.

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References

  1. 1 2 "Bhutan King announces mega Gelephu city project along Indo-Bhutan border". India Today NE. 2023-12-17. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  2. ↑ "His Majesty announces Gelephu Mindfulness City SAR project of 1,000 sq km". The Bhutanese. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  3. ↑ Chaudhury, Dipanjan Roy (2023-12-18). "Bhutan King unveils plans for economic linkages with Assam". The Economic Times. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  4. ↑ "Gelephu Mindfulness City to focus on seven core economic clusters to drive growth". Kuensel Online. 2024-09-09. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  5. ↑ "Bhutan's Bold Vision: Gelephu Mindfulness City Sets a Global Benchmark for Sustainable Urban Development". Global Law Lists.org. 2024-09-09. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  6. ↑ "GMC heralds a new chapter in Bhutan's constitutional journey". Kuensel Online. 2024-09-09. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  7. ↑ Newspaper, Bhutan's Daily. "GMC to adopt Singaporean law". Kuensel Online. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  8. ↑ Newspaper, Bhutan's Daily. "GMC adopts 18 Singaporean laws and 10 Abu Dhabi financial regulations". Kuensel Online. Retrieved 2025-01-04.

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