Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) a Special Administrative Region (SAR) is Bhutan’s autonomous hub integrating mindfulness, innovation, and global commerce under a “One Country, Two Systems” framework.

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Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Special Administrative Region (SAR) is a pioneering initiative established under a Royal Charter to create a highly autonomous region in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Designed as an oasis of mindfulness and prosperity, GMC is a unique blend of Bhutanese spiritual values, harmony with nature, and a forward-looking approach to technology, innovation, and global commerce. His Majesty The King envisioned GMC as both a sanctuary amid global uncertainty and a catalyst for Bhutan’s economic and administrative transformation.

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Autonomous Governance and Legal Framework

GMC’s special status allows it to operate with executive and legislative powers, supported by an independent judiciary. This autonomy enables GMC to implement flexible governance and innovative policies, making it a sandbox for new administrative and economic models. The city’s legal framework adopts Common Law principles, drawing from Singapore corporate laws for company governance, employment, taxation, and anti-corruption matters, as well as Abu Dhabi Global Market regulations for financial services. Additionally, provisions for international commercial arbitration ensure legal certainty and investor confidence.

This robust governance framework sets GMC apart from other regions in Bhutan, giving it the agility to experiment with global best practices while maintaining long-term stability.

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“One Country, Two Systems” Concept

Under the “One Country, Two Systems” model, GMC enjoys considerable independence in policymaking and economic strategy while remaining an integral part of Bhutan. This approach enables the region to:

• Implement internationally recognized business laws.
• Attract foreign investment by providing legal clarity and incentives.
• Maintain political stability while experimenting with innovative solutions.

By blending Bhutanese values with global commerce practices, GMC provides a unique environment where spirituality, community, and technology coexist harmoniously.

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Economic and Administrative Transformation: The Diamond Strategy

GMC’s long-term roadmap is guided by the Diamond Strategy, a framework designed to drive administrative reform and economic growth over the next two decades. The strategy envisions GMC as a testbed for policies that can later be implemented nationwide, creating a pathway for Bhutan to become an economically advanced, fully integrated nation. Key objectives include:

• Modernizing Bhutan’s administrative processes.
• Encouraging investment and entrepreneurship.
• Establishing a dynamic and innovative urban environment.

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Investor-Friendly Environment

GMC has created an attractive business climate with competitive corporate tax rates and additional incentives such as tax holidays, depending on the project type and scale. The region’s integrated financial regulator, the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO), oversees banking, capital markets, insurance, payments, and digital assets, providing a streamlined process for licensing and regulatory compliance.

This investor-centric approach ensures GMC is not only a hub for mindful living but also a global center for commerce and financial innovation.

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Mindfulness, Community, and Innovation

At its core, GMC prioritizes mindfulness and community values, integrating Bhutanese cultural principles with modern urban planning. The city encourages sustainable living, harmony with nature, and community engagement while fostering technological advancement and global collaboration. Residents and businesses benefit from a balanced ecosystem that emphasizes well-being alongside productivity.

The city’s policies promote:

• Green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
• Social cohesion and community-based initiatives.
• Opportunities for innovation-driven businesses in fintech, digital services, and technology.

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Judiciary and Arbitration

GMC’s independent judiciary is a cornerstone of its investor-friendly environment. The legal system supports:

• International commercial arbitration.
• Enforcement of corporate and financial regulations.
• Protection of intellectual property and contractual rights.

This framework ensures that GMC provides a secure and predictable environment for both local and international businesses.

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Living and Working in GMC

GMC offers residents and professionals a high quality of life with modern amenities, sustainable urban design, and cultural preservation. The city’s flexible legal and economic frameworks make it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs, expatriates, and multinational companies seeking stability and growth in a mindful and innovative environment.

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Future Outlook

Over the next two decades, GMC aims to demonstrate the benefits of autonomous governance and global best practices, paving the way for Bhutan’s future economic and administrative integration under a “One Country, One System” model. By harmonizing mindfulness, innovation, and global commerce, GMC is positioned to be a model city for Bhutan and the region.

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1. What is Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)?
GMC is a highly autonomous Special Administrative Region in Bhutan designed to blend mindfulness, innovation, and global business practices.

2. What legal system does GMC follow?
GMC adopts Common Law principles, drawing from Singapore corporate law and Abu Dhabi Global Market regulations, supported by an independent judiciary.

3. How does the “One Country, Two Systems” framework work?
GMC operates independently in governance and economic policy while remaining part of Bhutan, allowing for innovation and investor-friendly policies.

4. What financial services can investors access in GMC?
GMC offers banking, capital markets, payments, insurance, and digital asset services regulated by the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO).

5. What incentives are available for businesses in GMC?
Businesses can benefit from competitive corporate tax rates, tax holidays, and regulatory support for qualifying investors.

6. What is the Diamond Strategy?
The Diamond Strategy is GMC’s 20-year roadmap for administrative and economic reform, aiming to modernize Bhutan and integrate global best practices.

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Gelephu Mindfulness City is more than a city; it is a visionary experiment in governance, economy, and culture. By blending Bhutanese mindfulness with global innovation, GMC promises to be a beacon of stability, prosperity, and sustainable development for the nation and beyond.

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