Bangkok, Thailand – April 4, 2025 – The 6th BIMSTEC Summit, chaired by H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, successfully concluded in Bangkok, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation between South and Southeast Asia. The summit provided a crucial platform for member states to strengthen collaboration and maximize the potential of BIMSTEC as a dynamic regional framework.
Key Outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
The summit witnessed the adoption of several key documents, including the 6th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration and the groundbreaking BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030. The vision aims to shape a “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC” (PRO BIMSTEC) by 2030, emphasizing economic growth, connectivity, and regional resilience.
Among the notable achievements of the summit were:
- Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement: Strengthening connectivity and trade within the region.
- Enhanced Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security Issues: Addressing emerging challenges such as cybersecurity and climate change.
- Private Sector Engagement: Encouraging investment and trade to drive economic prosperity.
- People-to-People Connectivity: Fostering cultural and educational exchanges among member states.
Addressing Regional Challenges
A significant moment during the summit was the adoption of the BIMSTEC Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Impact of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025. Proposed by Thailand, the statement reaffirmed the commitment of BIMSTEC nations to disaster management and regional resilience.
Transition of BIMSTEC Leadership
As Thailand’s chairmanship of BIMSTEC came to a close, the leadership was formally handed over to Bangladesh, which will continue advancing the organization’s strategic goals. The transition ensures continuity in the implementation of BIMSTEC’s objectives, as outlined in the Bangkok Vision 2030.
Prime Minister’s Press Conference
Following the summit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the media, summarizing the summit’s outcomes and reiterating Thailand’s commitment to regional cooperation. She emphasized that the agreements and declarations adopted will pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous BIMSTEC community.
With BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 now in place, member states are set to embark on a transformative journey towards deeper economic ties, sustainable development, and enhanced regional connectivity. As Bangladesh assumes the chairmanship, the focus remains on realizing the collective aspirations of BIMSTEC nations.