Consultant for Formulation of Policy,

Rules & Regulations on Special

Economic Zones, Thimphu, Bhutan
Background

The primary development objective of the Royal Government as articulated in the 10

th

FYP document is poverty reduction. Among various strategies identified in order to

achieve this important objective are vitalization of industrial development and expanding
strategic infrastructure. As such, one of the topmost priorities of the Royal Government
during the 10

th

Five Year Plan is to develop an industrial estate at Jigmeling under Sarpang Dzongkhag
and Dhamdum under Samtse Dzongkhag. The 10

th

Plan also specifies the desire of the Royal Government to develop infrastructure projects
through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The Royal Government has recently adopted a framework on Private Participation in

Infrastructure (PPI). The framework provides a mechanism on how developers could be
invited to bid for the construction and operations of infrastructure such as industrial
estates and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) is also keen to develop one of the identified
sites for industrial estates into a SEZ.

Duties and Responsibilities

A.

Objective

The MoEA is in the process of inviting private developers to undertake the development
and management of the proposed industrial estates and SEZ. However, in order to
manage the whole process of inviting, evaluating and awarding of work to developers
efficiently and effectively, it is important to have an appropriate policy, rules and
regulations on the development of an SEZ. As such, the formulation of a policy, rules and
regulations on the said subjects has emerged as a priority. The Ministry therefore, solicits
the services of a professional agency (ies) or Individuals to carry out this assignment in
close consultation with the designated ministry (ies) and concerned stakeholders.

B.

Methodology

The selected consultancy firm may adopt an appropriate methodology to meet the stated
objective and the expected outputs of this assignment. In doing so, the selected firm shall
work closely with the PPD and the Department of Industry, Ministry of Economic
Affairs.

C.

Scope of Services of the Consulting Firm

The scope of services to be provided by the selected consulting firm for this task shall,
inter alia, be the following:
Review and assessment of legislations, policies, rules and regulations of the RGoB that
have relevance to SEZ
Undertake studies of procedures, legal frameworks and legislations in other developing
countries and developed countries related to SEZ
Draft SEZ policy, Rules and Regulations for the Kingdom of Bhutan
Discuss the draft with relevant stakeholders including RGoB and private sector agencies
Make a presentation of the Draft and obtain feedback from the stakeholders
Incorporate the feedback of the stakeholders wherever possible and necessary and
finalize the SEZ Policy and rules and regulations
Recommend plan of action for the implementation of the Policy, rules and regulations

D.

Expected output

The output of the assignment shall be as follows:

Inception report outlining the coverage of the SEZ Policy and Rules and Regulations,
results of preliminary findings and work plan for discussion and approval by the Royal
Government
Draft SEZ Policy & Rules and Regulations
Consultation with stakeholders and incorporation of relevant feedback
FINAL SEZ Policy Rules & Regulations

Detailed terms of reference (ToR) and P11 form for the assignment can be downloaded
from
www.undp.org.bt/procurement.htm

Competencies

It is expected that the consultant will respect the following ethical code of conduct of
UNDP during the assignment:
Independence and impartiality of judgment in assessment findings and recommendations.
Disclose any potential conflict of interest, and to deal honestly in resolving any conflict
of interest that may arise.
Display honesty and Integrity.
Display professional competency, ensuring accuracy, completeness, reliability,
transparency and accountability.
Respect and protect the rights and welfare of human subjects and communities in
accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other
human rights conventions.
Respect people’s right to provide information in confidence and make participants aware
of the scope and limits of confidentiality, while ensuring that sensitive information
cannot be traced to its source.
Report omissions and wrongdoing or unethical conduct, which will be reported to the
proper oversight authority.

Required Skills and Experience

The Consulting Firm or the individual shall be an established firm of at least five years of
work experience in SEZ Development across various stages with suitably qualified and
experienced personnel. Firms who have worked closely on formulation of Policy for
Government would be desired. The lead Consulting Firm shall be responsible for the
successful completion of the assignment. The Consultant of the firm should have
advanced university degree in economics, business administration or any other social
sciences related to socio-economic development. The Consultant should have analytical,
communication, report writing skills, fluency in written and spoken English.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and

culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with
disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the
strictest confidence.