# Gelephu Special Administrative Region

Gelephu Special Administrative Region (stylized as GeSAR), also known as Gelephu Mindfulness City (Dzongkha: དགེ་ལེགས་ཕུག་དྲན་ཤེས་ཁྲོམ་ཚོགས), is a planned special administrative region and economic hub in Gelephu, Bhutan, that covers an area of 2,500 square kilometers. It will also serve as a connectivity between South Asia and South East Asia.
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.

## 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.

## 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:
* Spirituality: Promoting mindfulness and Bhutanese cultural heritage.
* Health and Wellness: Establishing GMC as a global destination for holistic health.
* Education and Knowledge: Creating a “City of Mindful Learning” with world-class educational institutions.
* Green Energy and Tech: Leveraging Bhutan’s renewable energy potential to foster innovation.
* Finance and Digital Assets: Launching the blockchain-backed digital currency TER, aimed at promoting transparent and secure financial transactions.
* Agri-Tech and Forestry: Enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture practices.
* Aviation and Logistics: Developing the Gelephu International Airport as a regional hub.
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. 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. 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.
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.