The Dhamdum Industrial Park in Samtse is gradually taking shape, with 20 of its 58 plots now operational. The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, along with the Indian Ambassador, inaugurated the park yesterday. However, plot owners are urging the government to reconsider and reduce the lease rates, which they say are significantly higher than previous rates.
Speaking at the inauguration yesterday, Namgyal Dorji, the industry, commerce and employment minister, assured the government’s full support to Samtse, citing its strategic location and potential to become an economic hub.
“The Norbugang Industrial Park, dry port, the Special Economic Processing Zone, and the Dhamdum Industrial Park itself, besides these economic initiatives, one more upcoming plan is the widening of the Samtse-Haa Secondary National Highway. These would make Samtse a key center for economic activities.”
Despite the optimism, factory owners remain concerned. The recent revision of lease rents has significantly increased costs for businesses, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to sustain operations.
“While it is understandable that lease rents need to be revised, the increase has been too steep. We are struggling to pay the rent and would request the government to reconsider the hike as it impacts upcoming entrepreneurs like us,” said Thinley Phuntsho, the owner of Thinley Kuenphel Egg Tray Manufacturing Factory, Dhamdum Industrial Park, Samtse.
“Earlier, at the Jigmelling Industrial Park, we used to pay around Nu 8,000 per acre of leased land. But here, following the recent revision, we now have to pay around Nu 200,000 per acre,” said Dorji Tshering, the owner of Himalayan Green Production, Dhamdum Industrial Park, Samtse.
Apart from lease rent issues, plot owners also raised concerns about industrial regulations prohibiting factory owners from residing near their businesses. They urged the ministry to reconsider this rule, requesting permission to stay within the park until it becomes fully functional.
The remaining factories are at various stages of development. In addition to a diverse range of industries, the park is also home to three large-scale enterprises established through foreign direct investment.
The Dhamdum Industrial Park in Samtse, designated for clean-tech industries, spans over 300 acres and is divided into three zones. The construction was started in 2016.
The nearly Nu 800 M worth park has faced challenges but continues to progress to becoming a key industrial hub.
Passang Dorji
Edited by Sonam Pem
