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Gelephu Special Administrative Region
Planned economic hub in Bhutan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Gelephu Special Administrative Region (stylized as GeSAR), better[1] known as Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) (Dzongkha: དགེ་ལེགས་ཕུག་དྲན་ཤེས་ཁྲོམ་ཚོགས),[2] is a planned economic hub and special administrative region in Gelephu, Bhutan, separate from the country's existing laws. It is part of the Sarpang District Special Economic Zone. Strategically located on the border with India to leverage regional connectivity between South and Southeast Asia, it will cover an area of 2,500 square kilometers, three times the size of Singapore.[2]
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King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced the plan for the GMC SAR in a public royal address during the 116th National Day celebration on 17 December 2023.[3]
The city will have its own business-friendly regulations and systems, integrating sustainability, Bhutanese culture, and spirituality with plastic-free, modern, urban, low-rise, eco-friendly buildings. The aim is to create a clean-technology innovation hub by attracting global investment to boost economic activity. All food will be organic, electricity from renewable sources, and the hub will be built to promote cycling and foster AI innovation.[4]
The GMC has received attention for its Gross National Happiness concept, which prioritizes spiritual well-being, cultural preservation, good governance, and environmental conservation over economic growth.
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History and background
Announced by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on 13 December 2023, Bhutan's national day, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) was presented as being a special administrative region (SAR) with its own distinct laws and systems, with initial development to be driven by foreign direct investment.[5] Unveiled as part of Bhutan's broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond hydropower and tourism and create opportunities for its youth, GMC is intended to emphasize the country's cultural identity while integrating modern technologies and sustainable practices.[6] Its development gained prominence at the Bhutan Innovation Forum in 2024, where it received endorsement from Nobel laureates Joseph Stiglitz and Michael Spence, architect Bjarke Ingels, and Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel.[5]
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Planning and design
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Perspective
The project's plan, developed by Bjarke Ingels Group, Arup, Cistri, and MQDC, will feature eleven mandala-inspired neighbourhoods connected by green corridors and inhabitable bridges.[7] Designed to be low-rise and eco-friendly, the urban fabric will prioritize walkability, cycling, and integration with the Himalayan foothills and tropical plains.[8]
The project will focus on eight core industries and sectors: spirituality, health and wellness, education, green energy and technology, finance and digital assets, agri-tech and forestry, aviation and logistics, and tourism.[9][10]
In January 2025, GMC announced incorporation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum into its strategic reserves, marking a pioneering move in global finance.[11]
Features
Sustainability
GMC is touted as a global model for regenerative development, with mandates for zero-waste systems, biodiversity corridors, and carbon-negative buildings. All electricity will derive from renewables, and transportation will favor electric and non-motorized options.[12]
Economy
The region will target eight pillar industries to create 100,000 jobs by 2030, focusing on high-value sectors like fintech, wellness tourism, and green technology. Business-friendly regulations, including tax incentives and a dedicated legal framework, will aim to attract global firms.[13] In 2025, tourism stakeholders expressed strong interest in wellness retreats and cultural experiences.[14]
Infrastructure
The region will also include an international airport, whose first phase will accommodate around 1.3 million passengers annually, with plans for expansion to 5.5 million.[15] To fund the airport and related infrastructure, including high-speed rail links to India and smart grid systems, Bhutan launched its first-ever domestic bond offering in 2025, which has seen strong support from local investors.[16][17][18][19]
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Recent developments
In January 2025, the GMC received attention for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) concept, which prioritizes spiritual well-being, cultural preservation, good governance, and environmental conservation over economic growth.[20] As Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay stated, "Happiness and well-being of people must be the purpose of capitalism".[21]
As of September 2025, the "Innovate for GMC" program had attracted over 1,700 applicants, offering stipends to 500 youth for idea incubation in October.[22] Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay promoted investment opportunities at the UNGA P3 Summit in New York City.[23]
On 26 September 2025, the digital asset financial services company Matrixport announced that it had received a financial services license to operate in GMC. It also stated that it would open an office in GMC and cultivate local talent.[24][25]
References
External links
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