BIMSTEC Summit concludes issuing Bangkok Vision 2030

KATHMANDU: The Sixth Summit of the Heads of State/Governments of the member States of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) concluded in Bangkok on Friday, with member countries expressing commitment to closer economic integration and connectivity.

Leaders approved the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 that focuses on enhancing economic integration, connectivity, and human security and outlines a strategic plan to build a prosperous, resilient and open “PRO BIMSTEC” by 2030.

Likewise, the 6th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration and the Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC Mechanisms, released on Friday, provide a more systematic and rules-based framework for BIMSTEC operations. Similarly, the report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC was also unveiled during the summit.

Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who chaired the summit, announced the signing of six documents at the concluding ceremony. “We also witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation. It will strengthen maritime connectivity between South and Southeast Asia, improve logistical efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance the movement of goods and people,” said Paetongtarn.

She added that the meeting also endorsed the BIMSTEC Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Impact of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.