Bangkok, Thailand – The 25th Meeting of Senior Officials of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) convened today in Bangkok, Thailand. Chaired by Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the meeting saw participation from senior officials representing all seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Key Discussions and Agreements
India’s delegation, led by Secretary (East) P. Kumaran, actively participated in discussions aimed at assessing progress in the organization’s seven key sectors of cooperation. The deliberations also focused on preparations for the upcoming 20th BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on April 3 and the highly anticipated 6th BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for April 4, both to be held in Bangkok.
One of the significant highlights of the meeting was Thailand’s push to enhance regional connectivity. As the Lead Country on Connectivity, Thailand emphasized the importance of the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation and the finalization of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway. This initiative is expected to boost trade and economic integration across the BIMSTEC region.
Bangladesh’s delegation, led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin, called for the speedy finalization of six key agreements under the Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area. These agreements cover Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters, Dispute Settlement, Trade Facilitation, Investment, and Trade in Services, all essential for deepening economic cooperation among BIMSTEC nations.
Solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand
Beyond economic matters, the meeting also addressed administrative and financial issues related to BIMSTEC’s operational framework. In a show of regional solidarity, member states expressed their support for Myanmar and Thailand in the aftermath of the recent earthquake that caused significant casualties and damage.
Road to the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Established in 1997, BIMSTEC aims to drive economic development and resilience through regional cooperation. The upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit, themed “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC,” will be a crucial milestone in advancing this mission. One of the key outcomes expected is the adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, a comprehensive roadmap for future collaboration among member states.
Preparations for the summit are in full swing, with Bangkok adorned with flags and billboards representing all BIMSTEC nations, symbolizing the region’s collective commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. The outcomes of these discussions are anticipated to significantly influence the future trajectory of regional cooperation, addressing shared security and developmental challenges in the Bay of Bengal region.
Stay Updated on BIMSTEC Developments
As Bangkok gears up to host these crucial meetings, all eyes are on the agreements and frameworks set to shape the region’s future. Stay tuned for more updates on the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and the latest in regional cooperation among BIMSTEC nations.