Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) Indra Mani Pandey has said the regional organization, since its inception, has made significant progress in forging regional cooperation in various sectors.
He said it has succeeded in creating the institutional framework that it needs to function as an efficient and effective regional organisation, and it has its own Charter and well-established core and sectoral mechanisms, including senior officials meetings, ministerial meetings and summits.
The Bimstec Secretariat hosted a reception recently to commemorate its 28th anniversary.
Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud joined the event as the chief guest.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, secretaries, government of Bangladesh, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Heads of International Organizations, members of diplomatic corps, officials of the government of Bangladesh, media personnel, representatives of think tanks, members of the BIMSTEC Secretariat were present.
Reflecting on Bimstec’s 28 year journey, the Secretary General highlighted the significant outcomes of the 6th Bimstec Summit.
He informed that at the 6th Summit, Bimstec leaders, apart from their comprehensive Summit Declaration, adopted Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030, providing a roadmap for building a prosperous, resilient and open Bimstec.
They proposed a number of steps to enhance regional cooperation under Bimstec.
In addition to signing and adoption of the agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, Memoranda of Understanding between Bimstec and its developmental partners, Indian Ocean Rim Association and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime were also signed.
Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasised the critical role of regional cooperation in securing lasting peace and prosperity in Bay of Bengal region.
He lauded BIMSTEC’s evolution into a unique platform, linking South and Southeast Asia, endeavouring to fulfil shared aspirations, and dealing with common challenges.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to regional cooperation, he expressed confidence in Bimstec’s potential to become a dynamic and result-oriented organization that delivers tangible benefits to its people.
As part of celebration, Bimstec member States showcased the cultural ‘unity in diversity’ of the Bay of Bengal region through presenting their dance performances, exhibition of their artefacts and other unique and symbolic items and their march past, with their representatives proudly carrying their national flags in a symbolic display of unity and solidarity among member States.
The Bimstec Secretariat, located in Dhaka, since September 2014, has been committed to support the member States in implementation of the decisions taken by our Leaders.
The Secretary General conveyed that the Secretariat was immensely grateful to the government of Bangladesh for hosting the Secretariat and providing all the necessary support to it.
The celebration reaffirmed in a unique way Bimstec’s growing importance as a regional platform for realisation of the goals peace, prosperity and development in the Bay of Bengal region.
It also reflected the commitment of the member States of Bimstec to its success.
Bimstec comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
