Not selling immediately: Bhutan announces strategy to hold 10,000 bitcoins for the Gelephu mindfulness project

The Royal Family of Bhutan has just announced a strategic investment decision—allocating all 10,000 bitcoins ( worth approximately $1.1 billion USD at the current valuation of 90.82K USD ) to support the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, a new special economic zone aimed at becoming a green industrial hub. Unlike other countries that tend to liquidate bitcoin quickly, Bhutan has chosen a long-term holding approach, positioning this reserve as a driver for sustainable development rather than short-term financial gain.

The King’s Vision: Bitcoin for the People

According to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, this commitment carries deeper significance than ordinary commercial transactions. The king emphasizes that this benefit is for “the people, youth, and our country,” with the goal of transforming every Bhutanese citizen into “a protector, shareholder, and beneficiary” of the project. This strategy reflects a comprehensive approach, focusing not only on economic objectives but also on social development.

International Cooperation: Cumberland DRW Joins the Game

To realize this vision, the Bhutanese government has signed a long-term memorandum of understanding with Cumberland DRW, a market management company. This partnership will focus on building digital asset infrastructure, managing crypto reserves in the region, developing a national stablecoin, and promoting mining based on renewable energy. Instead of letting bitcoin sit idle, the parties will operate profitable activities while adhering to the highest environmental standards.

Mindfulness City: A Solution to Development Challenges

Gelephu City is designed to address Bhutan’s urgent socio-economic issues: youth migration, low birth rates, and lack of high-quality employment. The project integrates multiple sectors—green energy, technology, tourism, and financial regulation—to create a comprehensive development ecosystem. Infrastructure such as an airport, domestic port, and business projects have been planned in detail to form a true mindfulness city, not just an empty land.

Risk Management: Opportunity or Trap?

Bhutanese officials affirm that this strategy is based on cautious risk management plans. Instead of betting everything on bitcoin’s current price, Bhutan chooses to hold its position, allowing bitcoin to appreciate over time. However, analysts warn that this investment also carries inherent risks—the volatility could impact the national budget, requiring careful oversight from authorities to prevent losses related to public services.

Next Steps: Seeking Partners and Investors

Bhutan’s leadership is currently looking for legal partners and strategic investors to provide a clearer roadmap for those interested in regional projects. This indicates that Bhutan is not only announcing a plan but actively promoting its implementation.

Bhutan’s move represents a shift in how nations perceive bitcoin—from a speculative asset to a strategic development tool. With bitcoin currently trading around $90.82K USD, time will tell whether this commitment will yield the long-term results Bhutan hopes for.