Calls for stronger people-to-people ties to advance BIMSTEC cooperation

KATHMANDU: The Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) organized a high-level policy dialogue on “BIMSTEC at 30: Promoting People-to-People Contact to Advance Regional Cooperation, Integration and Shared Prosperity” in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, IFA Executive Director Rojina Tamrakar emphasized the growing importance of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in fostering regional cooperation through stronger people-to-people connectivity and collaboration.

She added that deepening regional partnerships is essential for advancing shared prosperity and improving the well-being of people of the region.

Delivering his keynote address, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey reviewed the regional grouping’s achievements over the past three decades, ongoing institutional reforms and future priorities. He highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people engagement, connectivity, trade and economic cooperation to realize BIMSTEC’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Bay of Bengal region. Pandey also underscored Nepal’s growing contribution to advancing regional cooperation and addressing shared opportunities and challenges within the BIMSTEC framework.

Also speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kiran Shakya, reflected on BIMSTEC’s evolution, achievements and challenges in regional integration. He stressed the need to strengthen people-to-people contacts, connectivity and mutual understanding among member states, while reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to supporting BIMSTEC’s transformation into a people-centred regional community.

Ambassadors from Thailand and Sri Lanka, diplomats from other BIMSTEC member states based in Kathmandu, government officials, academics, policy experts, representatives of think tanks and development partners, researchers and university students, among others, participated in the event.