Project Ref (2025-3): Sustainable Township Management and Capacity Development-ADB Loan 4019-BHU: Phuentsholing Township Development Project
Narrative:
The consultancy aims to support the PTDP by establishing a globally benchmarked township management system aligned with Bhutanese laws. This includes assisting DHI/CDCL in setting up and operationalizing a governance entity, delivering comprehensive township management plans across various domains (e.g., HR, finance, PR, infrastructure, IT, social and civic services), and identifying and implementing capacity development programs for township staff.
Following were the major scope of the assignment:
• Integration with existing Phuentsholing Thromde: i. Study and clarify the roles between Phuentsholing Thromde and PTDP. Develop a detailed integration plan with Phuentsholing Thromde that will enable PTDP to coexist and function within existing legal framework and help achieve the overall PTDP mandates. ii. Draft a MoU/legal arrangement between Phuentsholing Thromde and PTDP.
• Urban Planning: Review the PTDP masterplan and draft Development Control Regulations (DCR), and provide recommendations on the draft DCR to align with the masterplan.
• Township Management Plan: i. Review PTDP’s vision and objectives to propose an effective Township Management Plan (TMP), including three governance options. Support DHI/CDCL in instituting and stabilizing the chosen entity. ii. Prepare a phased implementation plan for sustainable township management, with clear goals and action plans for the short, medium, and long term. iii. Provide Terms of Reference for all HR positions under the TMP. iv. Review existing policies, rules, and regulations; draft complementary documents as needed. v. Identify key business processes and services for smart and sustainable urban development. vi. Develop required SOPs, forms, and related documentation. vii. Detail O&M plans for essential urban services (e.g., waste, water, sewage, power, internet, landscaping), including contingency measures (Plan-B) for service disruptions.
• Planning and Implementation of IT Management Systems: i. Study and recommend platforms for smart and effective township management systems and Township Information Systems, billing and accounting platforms at par with best global practices. ii. Based on the accepted Township Management System and Township Information Systems, recommend and assist the executing agency in procurement of hardware and software to operate the Township management system. iii. Study and recommend machineries and equipment required for the effective management of township.
• Capacity Development: i. Organize a study tour to explore best practices in township management. ii. Develop a Capacity Development Plan (CDP) for PTDP and Phuentsholing Thromde officials, aligned with the Township Management Plan. iii. In consultation with DHI/CDCL, identify three key capacity needs and deliver targeted trainings, workshops, or seminars; logistics are covered under the provisional sum.
Project Ref (2025-4): Investor Promotion and Transaction Advisory Consultant – ADB Loan 4019-BHU: Phuentsholing Township Development Project
Narrative:
The consultancy aims to explore economic opportunities within the PTDP and provide investment promotion and transaction advisory services to DHI, with the goal of attracting credible property developers and anchor tenants with proven financial capacity. It also includes training and capacity building for PTDP, DHI, and CDCL officials on investment promotion strategies. Additionally, the consultancy will analyze existing policies, laws, and regulations, and recommend necessary reforms to enhance the project’s investment attractiveness while ensuring its social, economic, and environmental objectives are met.
Following were the major scope of the assignment:
• Policy Analysis: i) Review existing policies, laws, and FDI regulations relevant to PTDP investment. ii) Recommend policy and regulatory reforms to enhance project attractiveness and long-term sustainability. iii). Draft concession documents (e.g., tax incentives) for government consideration to support PTDP viability.
• Investment and Promotion Strategy: i) Develop criteria and strategy for identifying quality developers and anchor tenants based on experience, financial strength, and economic impact. ii) Identify potential investors with proven capability to develop PTDP as a vibrant commercial and livable township. iii) Create a comprehensive marketing strategy including a website, videos, investor decks, and promotional materials. iv) Implement marketing through digital platforms, roadshows, social media, exhibitions, and industry events. v) Ensure developer proposals align with PTDP’s vision and objectives. vi) Recommend optimal investment structures considering land ownership laws and investor preferences. vii) Facilitate signed Letters of Intent/MoUs with prospective investors and strive toward formal agreements.
• Business Model: i) Conduct demand analysis to identify interested mixed-use developers and assess appealing PPP models. ii) Model the impact of fiscal incentives (e.g., tax exemptions, duty-free imports) on investor interest. iii) Recommend suitable business models for PTDP (e.g., BOT, BOOT, DBFMO, JV, concessions, or combinations). iv) Identify and propose potential revenue streams for PTDP. v) Prepare a detailed financial model with sensitivity analysis for lease and utility pricing. vi) Develop an operational and financial sharing model between PTDP and Phuentsholing Thromde.
• Transaction Advisory: i) Support investment transactions through due diligence on prospective investors. ii) Assist in structuring joint ventures and PPPs. iii) Draft key transaction documents such as term sheets, prospectuses, and investment agreements.
• Capacity Development: i) Deliver structured and on-the-job training for PTDP/DHI/CDCL personnel in investment and transaction management. ii) Ensure training costs are covered under the provisional sum. iii) Undertake any additional tasks required to fulfill the overall consultancy objectives.