Gelephu faces significant infrastructure challenges, hindering its transformation into a major commercial hub. Despite its flat terrain, which is conducive to development, the town has repeatedly failed to evolve due to inadequate infrastructure. A notable issue is water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and poor management. Other primary infrastructures such as sanitation, waste management, housing, educational facilities, health amenities and transport are not well planned to cater to the need of a futuristic city. This article traces the challenges of Gelephu in attaining these basic infrastructures that are fundamental to building a mega city. Read full
Gelephu is a significant trade hub. Historically, Gelephu has played a major role in the country’s trade, showing resilience through economic fluctuations and political upheavals. Its proximity to India is boon for both import and customers from across the border. Its potential as a business hub to connect South and South-East Asia will be tested over time. This article covers trade barriers, legal obstacles and other potential problems that might hinder the realisation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) as a regional trading hub connecting Bhutan and South Asia with South-East Asia. Read full
The proposed Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) represents a transformative urban development initiative in Bhutan, aimed at establishing a pivotal business connection between South East Asia and South Asia. Announced by King Jigme Khesar on December 17, 2023, the GMC aspires to create a holistic living environment attuned to Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), emphasising mindfulness, sustainability, and community well-being. This article explores the vision, strategic location, design principles, stakeholder collaborations, socio-environmental considerations, and potential challenges associated with the GMC. Read Full
ABSTRACT Increasing unemployment, absence of government action in job creation, small market and lack of entrepreneurial opportunities are troubling to the Bhutanese population, especially youths, in recent years. The young and educated population is looking for greener pastures overseas and economy is surprisingly becoming remittance reliant. There are multiple factors within the country that needs government attention in order to improve the employment rate for university graduates. The country has a small private sector that hardly can create any new workplaces. The biggest employer is the public sector – that too is shrinking in recent years – in response to costs cutting measures. This study focuses on the historical structure of Bhutanese job market, current trends and future prospects and what it means for the Bhutanese economy in general. Read in full
Bhutan is graduating from Least Developing Country (LDC) status in 2023. It was granted LDC status in 1971. Bhutan has maintained fair political stability, consistent economic growth, and improved social indicators in the last few decades. However, Bhutan’s graduation comes amid the worst economic blow by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pillars of growth have been shattered but the plan for graduation is unlikely to be extended. Bhutan has not met a few criteria under the Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) while it has fulfilled other criteria. The graduation is expected to cause no major impact on Bhutan due to its economic reliance (in both grants and trade) on a single country (India). Bhutan has low volume trade with third countries. Yet a sensible amount of grants, funds and market access will be lost that may challenge Bhutan’s continued economic growth and economic prosperity. This article investigates the process, progress, and challenges of the country after it attains the status of a developing nation. Read full