𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋- 𝐍𝐑𝐁𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

His Majesty’s vision for a sustainable and mindful Bhutan is taking a transformative step forward with the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and its cornerstone project, the Gelephu International Airport. The investment and development arm, Gelephu Investment and Development Corporation (GIDC) of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in collaboration with ORO Bank, Asia’s first Full Reserve digital bank. this initiative is an inspiring call to Bhutanese living abroad, inviting them to actively participate in building the nation’s future.

At the heart of this campaign lies the Fixed-Term Deposit (FTD) program, a financial innovation designed to empower Non-Resident Bhutanese (NRBs) to contribute meaningfully while earning stable returns. The program offers flexible options, with deposits starting at USD 1,000 or USD 250 per month, 4 percent interest in USD or 10 percent interest in Ngultrum and USD 3 percent or 8 percent Nu, ensuring inclusivity for Bhutanese across the globe. The overwhelming interest from NRBs, particularly from communities in Australia and the Middle East, reflects a shared desire to connect with Bhutan’s progress, underscoring the enduring bond Bhutanese living abroad maintain with their homeland.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Many NRBs have voiced concerns about the efficiency of transferring funds into their ORO Bank accounts, citing delays of more than a week for hard currency transactions to be credited. While these logistical hurdles are understandable in the initial stages of such an ambitious program, they highlight the urgent need for seamless and efficient banking services. If ORO Bank and its partners can address these concerns promptly, the campaign’s momentum could reach even greater heights, ensuring trust and participation from NRBs worldwide.

Meanwhile, the initiative has sparked curiosity among Bhutanese residents at home. Many possess USD in hard currency and are eager to contribute to this historic campaign, demonstrating that the spirit of nation-building transcends geographic boundaries. While the current program is tailored exclusively for Bhutanese residing outside the country, there is hope that similar opportunities might be extended to residents in the future.

Mike Kayamori, CEO of ORO Bank, has hinted at the possibility of programs for residents, recognizing the immense potential and dedication of Bhutanese at home. Until then, local participants are encouraged to explore Digital Kidu (DK), Bhutan’s first digital bank and a sister company to ORO Bank. DK provides daily interest crediting system, ensuring that even residents can benefit from modern, growth-oriented financial services.

This campaign represents more than a financial initiative, it embodies a unified vision for Bhutan’s progress. It represents the values of mindfulness, sustainability, and shared responsibility, enabling Bhutanese abroad to play a direct role in shaping the nation’s future.

As the program progresses, the collaboration between GIDC, ORO Bank, and Bhutanese communities worldwide must focus on efficiency, inclusivity, and trust. By addressing logistical challenges and expanding opportunities, this campaign can serve as a model for how collective action and innovative finance can transform a nation’s aspirations into reality.