Thailand is set to host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit from April 2-4, 2025, in Bangkok, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation among South and Southeast Asian nations.
What is BIMSTEC?
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established in 1997 to promote regional collaboration among its seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The organization represents a population of over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.7 trillion.
Under Thailand’s chairmanship from 2022 to 2025, BIMSTEC has been working towards a “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open” (PRO BIMSTEC) region by 2030, focusing on economic growth, connectivity, and sustainable development.
Key Deliverables of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
At the upcoming summit, leaders will discuss several strategic initiatives, including:
- BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030: A roadmap guiding regional economic and social cooperation for the next decade.
- Report of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG): Recommendations for reforming and strengthening BIMSTEC’s institutional framework.
- BIMSTEC Summit Declaration: A formal commitment outlining collective goals and future strategies for the organization.
Significance of the Summit
This summit is particularly significant as it will be the first in-person gathering of BIMSTEC leaders since the 2018 Kathmandu Summit. The previous summit, hosted by Sri Lanka in 2022, was conducted virtually. Hosting the event in Bangkok underscores Thailand’s commitment to fostering regional integration and addressing key challenges such as:
- Trade and Investment: Enhancing economic partnerships and facilitating trade agreements.
- Connectivity: Strengthening infrastructure and digital networks for improved regional integration.
- Climate Change and Sustainability: Collaborative efforts to tackle environmental concerns affecting the Bay of Bengal region.
- Public Health and Security: Strengthening healthcare systems and cooperation in emergency responses.
Expected High-Profile Attendees
Among the key leaders anticipated to attend the summit is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is likely to visit Thailand from April 2 to 4 for the event. His participation is expected to reinforce India’s commitment to BIMSTEC’s goals and foster deeper economic and strategic ties with the member nations.
This will mark Modi’s second visit to Thailand, following his 2019 trip to attend the ASEAN Summits, where he was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal.
Looking Ahead
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit is expected to set the stage for deeper economic cooperation and regional stability. With Thailand leading the initiative, the summit will play a crucial role in shaping BIMSTEC’s future, ensuring a more prosperous, resilient, and interconnected region by 2030.
Stay tuned for more updates on the BIMSTEC Summit 2025.