BIMSTEC's Eminent Persons' Group Meets for the Fourth Time
Introduction
of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperationr(BIMSTEC)MSTEC) international organisationsation that brings togseven South Asian and Southeast Asian nationsatBangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.iland. Wcombined population of over 1.7 billion peoplepeople substantial economic impactimpact, BIMSTEC aifoster collaboration and mutual benefits across various sectors.ctorJune 25-27, 2024, 2024fourth meetingeeting oEminent Persons' Group (EPG) (EPG) on the Future Directions of BIMSTEC was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking a significant step in the organisation's evolution.
History of BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC was established on June 6, 1997, through the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This initial grouping was known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). Over the years, the organisation expanded:
- On December 22, 1997, Myanmar joined, leading to the group being renamed BIMST-EC.
- In 1998, Nepal became an observer, and in February 2004, Nepal and Bhutan became full members.
- On July 31, 2004, during its first Summit, the grouping was renamed BIMSTEC to reflect its broader scope.
The Fourth EPG Meeting
The fourth EPG meeting was chaired by Dr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum of Thailand, with members from all BIMSTEC member states in attendance. The BIMSTEC Secretariat, led by Secretary-General Indra Mani Pandey, facilitated the discussions. The EPG's mandate is to provide guidance and recommendations to reform, revitalise, and repurpose BIMSTEC, with a focus on enhancing regional cooperation and achieving a secure, developed, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region.
Meeting Discussions and Interactions
During the three-day meeting, the EPG delved into several key areas:
- Bangkok Vision 2030 and its alignment with the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
- Current status of regional cooperation within BIMSTEC, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and food security, people-to-people contact, and connectivity.
- Interactions with Ambassadors and High Commissioners of BIMSTEC member states in Dhaka, as well as the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee.
- A retreat session for the EPG members.
Future Directions
The EPG is committed to submitting its comprehensive report to the BIMSTEC Leaders at the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit. The exact date of the summit is not yet known. The fifth meeting of the EPG is scheduled for July 16-18, 2004, building on the discussions and progress made during the first, second, and third meetings.
BIMSTEC's Priority Sectors
BIMSTEC has identified 14 priority sectors for cooperation, which are led by respective member states:
- Trade, Investment, and Development (led by Bangladesh)
- Environment and Climate Change (led by Bhutan)
- Security and Energy (led by India)
- Agriculture and Food Security (led by Myanmar)
- People-to-People Contact (led by Nepal)
- Science, Technology, and Innovation (led by Sri Lanka)
- Connectivity (led by Thailand)
- Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime
- Disaster Management
- Transport and Communication
- Cultural Cooperation
- Fisheries
- Public Health
- Poverty Alleviation
Conclusion
The fourth meeting of the EPG on the Future Directions of BIMSTEC reflects the organisation's commitment to fostering deeper regional cooperation. By engaging in discussions and interactions, the EPG is working towards providing a comprehensive roadmap for BIMSTEC's future endeavours. With a focus on reform, revitalisation, and a prosperous Bay of Bengal region, the EPG's recommendations will shape the next chapter of BIMSTEC's journey.
Appendix
| Meeting Number | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| First | January 25 | Dhaka |
| Second | March 11-12 | Dhaka |
| Third | May 12-13 | Dhaka |
| Fourth | June 25-27 | Dhaka |
| Fifth | July 16-18 | TBD |
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