Thimphu, 2011
Bhutan is famous for looking at a novel development model that targets simultaneously happiness of the people by responding to their basic needs, and competitiveness for a small nation sandwiched between India and China.
From June 20-26, a group of invited guests, including the architect Anders Nyquist, the pedagogue Nirmala Nair, investors Morten Sondergaard and Victoria Rye Siu, and the development guru Ashok Khosla shared their insights on how Bhutan can design an innovative approach that generates jobs, embraces renewable energies, offers value to quality agro-produce, builds safe homes and offices, while predominantly working with what is locally available. Thanks to a series of policy options decided by the Government, several projects moved from idea implementation.
The first three days offered the chance to hear from the local experts about Gross National Happiness (GNH) chaired by HE the Prime Minister, how they view the development of their nation, complemented with a few field visits, and discussions to provide insights of this new economic model. The following two days focused on a portfolio of projects with local partners, presented by the international experts who offered insights into their technologies going beyond the applications for Bhutan, sharing how it will change the business model, and entering into the debate why this will change the competitive framework especially in Bhutan.
It was a meeting with the Government of Bhutan, and a dialogue on the strategies the Government outlines, framing investment opportunities and policy measures that could set the standard and provide an inspiration for businesses and economic development elsewhere.
All Ministers joined, as well as local entrepreneurs, media, and members of the National Assembly.
The Invitation
Join the Blue Economy expert team in Bhutan for a rare chance to spend 7 days with the key Bhutanese partners, technology providers, candidate investors, and entrepreneurs and myself.
This is a unique opportunity to become acquainted with one of the most fascinating countries in the world: Bhutan. I consider the audacious policies of the Bhutanese Government conducive to implement a novel development model that targets simultaneously happiness of the people by responding to their basic needs, and competitiveness for a small nation sandwiched between India and China.
Over the past few years I, and a team of experts from the Blue Economy, including the architect Anders Nyquist, the pedagogue Nirmala Nair, investors Morten Sondergaard and Victoria Rye Siu, and the development guru Ashok Khosla have shared their insights on how Bhutan can design an innovative approach that generates jobs, embraces renewable energies, offers value to quality agro-produce, builds safe homes and offices, while predominantly working what is locally available. A portfolio of 36 projects has emerged, and while each has been benchmarked, all are subjected to a rigorous feasibility study several of which are ongoing.
Thanks to a series of policy options decided by the Government, several projects moved from idea implementation. Embracing bioplastics as a standard for Bhutan, the tapping of blue pines as a source of fuel for mobility, the generation of electricity from vertical turbines placed inside high transmission towers, the development of ingredients for cosmetics based abundant biodiversity within the strict limits of the ecosystems' carrying capacity, the "manicure mining" of dolomite for the production of food grade quality magnesium without the use of traditional acids, and the export of endemic healthy food from the Himalayan valleys (all packaged in bioplastics) are just a few of the projects that have advanced. It offers sufficient content to warrant a deal flow for an investment fund, once time is ripe for all partners.
First, you have the chance to participate in the first ever seminar in Bhutan on Happiness and Competitiveness. Three days (June 20-22) will offer the chance to hear from the local experts about Gross National Happiness (GNH), how they view the development of their nation, complemented with a few field visits, and discussions to provide insights of this new economic model. Two days (June 23-24) will focus on a portfolio of projects with local partners, presented by the international experts who will offer insights into their technologies going beyond the applications for Bhutan, sharing how it will change the business model, and entering into the debate why this will change the competitive framework especially in Bhutan.
Second you have for the first time ever a chance to "Meet the Government of Bhutan" (June 25-26). This session will expose the international participants to the policies of the Government to pursue happiness and competitiveness. All participants can enter into a dialogue on the strategies the Government outlines, framing investment opportunities and policy measures that could set the standard and provide an inspiration for businesses and economic development elsewhere. All Ministers will join, as well as local entrepreneurs, media, and members of the National Assembly. The first day will be a formal session chaired by HE the Prime Minister and myself, while the second day leaves room for a series of informal meetings at the highest level.
Third you have the chance to visit Bhutan, reaching out to villages, communities and regions that are of particular interest to you. Thanks to the support of Mrs. Dago Beda, one of the pioneers of the private sector of Bhutan, we will be able to offer tailored travel schedules, a privilege reserved to only a few each year. We suggest the following side trips: the site for the World GNH Center in Bhumtang adjacent to the largest natural park of that is home to Bengal tigers; the site for the first bioplastics factory in Gelephu with an opportunity to visit the surrounding villages and valleys home to a very productive portfolio of traditionally farmed produce where the Tarayana Foundation is most active.
Partial List of Participants
Dr. Ashok Khosla Chairman IUCN, President of the Club of Rome Chairman of Development Alternatives (India)
the Rt Hon Anders Wijkman Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences (Sweden)
Mr. Christian Courtin-Clarins Chairman of Clarins (France)
Mr. Caio Koch-Weser Vice-Chairman Deutsche Bank (Germany/UK)
Mrs. Maritta von Bieberstein Chair Global Exchange for Social Investment (Germany)
Dra. Catia Bastioli CEO and Founder of Novamont (Italia)
Mr. Sow Chung Ho Chairman of Sinopac Holdings (Taiwan)
Shawn Frayne Inventor of the Humdinger (Hong Kong)
Raphaël Ménard Inventor of the Wind-it (France)
Dr. Steve McGrath Inventor of the Mining without Chemicals (USA)
Victoria Rylie Siu Lead Rich Investment Group (Hong Kong)
Morten Sondergaard Investor (Denmark)
Dr. Christine Loh Chair of the Civic Exchange (Hong Kong)
Christina Stevens Board Member Turner Foundation, filmmaker (USA)
Tina Sciabica Executive Director READ International (USA)
Casio Taniguchi Minister of Sustainability, State of Parana (Brazil)
Wendy Luhabe Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg (RSA) Co-founder of WIPHOLD (Women controlled holding)
Dra. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Minister of Culture and Patrimonium (Ecuador)
Dra. Noemi Sanin Posada Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (Colombia)
Mr. Stan Shih Founder of ACER Group (Taiwan)
Mrs. Diane Ying Chair of the CommonWealth Group (Taiwan)
Henk Rogers President of Tetris (computer game)
This is a personal invitation extended to Mette Kristine Oustrup. The overall number of foreign visitors for this special week is strictly limited to 75, and everyone who is invited has been carefully selected.