Thukten Zangpo

Non-resident Bhutanese can now play a direct role in Bhutan’s nation-building through a new fixed-term deposit initiative aimed at financing critical infrastructure, including the country’s first international airport at the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

Gelephu Investment and Development Corporation (GIDC), established by Royal Charter as Gelephu’s sovereign development body, has partnered with ORO Bank, Asia’s first full reserve digital bank, to introduce a nation-building campaign.

The scheme was launched on November 11, coinciding with the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King.

“This is more than a financial opportunity; it is a call to contribute to and actively shape our shared vision for a thriving, mindful, and resilient Bhutan,” CEO of the GIDC, Ujjwal Dahal said. “As a landlocked country, this is a rare opportunity to build a new airport that will unlock global connectivity and become a key economic driver, bringing prosperity for generations to come. This is our chance to contribute to something greater and realise the vision of the GMC.”

According to a press release issued by the GMC project office, the fixed-term deposit (FTD) programme is offered exclusively to Bhutanese residing overseas, giving them an opportunity to actively participate in and contribute to Bhutan’s future development.

The partnership is inspired by His Majesty the King’s recent engagement with Bhutanese communities abroad,    who expressed a strong commitment to supporting Bhutan’s development.

“This initiative provides a meaningful way for Bhutanese worldwide to contribute to Bhutan’s progress,” it stated.

Through these FTD subscriptions, ORO Bank will help finance the development of the international airport by subscribing to a bond with the GIDC.

This arrangement offers non-resident Bhutanese a unique opportunity to actively support the GMC while benefiting from stable and secure financial returns.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to fund the initial phases of GMC, a visionary project aimed at creating a model city grounded in mindfulness, sustainability, and well-being—designed to be a legacy for future generations.

The FTD programme offers four flexible fixed-term deposit options.

Bhutanese can make a one-time deposit of at least USD 1,000 with a 10-year term, which provides an annual interest rate of 4 percent in USD.

An additional option allows non-resident Bhutanese to make a one-time fixed-term deposit of at least USD 1,000 with a 10-year term, offering an annual interest rate of 10 percent in Bhutanese currency.

For both of these one-time deposit options, subscribers can invest higher amounts through fixed increment amounts.

For those interested in monthly contributions, the programme offers a monthly fixed-term subscription starting at a minimum of USD 250 per month for 24 months, with an annual interest rate of 3 percent in USD.

Also, non-resident Bhutanese can opt for a monthly fixed-term subscription with a minimum investment of USD 250 per month for 24 months, offering an annual interest rate of 8 percent in Bhutanese currency.

Subscribers will have the option of early redemption after five years without any penalty.

All participants will receive a certificate of appreciation and be recognised at the new Gelephu airport terminal.

Non-resident Bhutanese interested in the programme are required to open an ORO Bank account to complete the process.

The subscription period closes on December 31 this year.