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As preparations ramp up for the next BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for September 4, 2024, in Bangkok, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey has unveiled key outcomes expected from the high-profile meeting. In a recent statement, Pandey highlighted that the summit will mark a significant milestone with the adoption of the Bangkok Vision BIMSTEC 2030.
This vision document will serve as a strategic roadmap for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), outlining long-term goals and priorities for the regional organization. The vision aims to enhance cooperation and integration among member states, addressing a range of issues from economic growth to sustainable development.
In addition to the Bangkok Vision BIMSTEC 2030, the summit will also see the formal adoption of an agreement on maritime transport cooperation. This agreement is expected to improve regional maritime connectivity, facilitating smoother and more efficient transport across the Bay of Bengal.
Furthermore, the report of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which has been working on recommendations for reforming and repurposing BIMSTEC, will be adopted. The EPG was established by BIMSTEC leaders to provide strategic insights and suggestions for strengthening the organization’s structure and functions.
The upcoming summit represents a pivotal moment for BIMSTEC, with these significant initiatives poised to shape the future direction of the regional bloc. Last year’s BIMSTEC Summit was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Bangkok Summit will not only chart a new course for BIMSTEC but also bolster its role as a key player in regional cooperation and development.