BIMSTEC

Organization Name

BIMSTEC

Description

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia through the Bay of Bengal.

Key Facts

Full name: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
Founded: 6 June 1997 (Bangkok Declaration, originally as BIST-EC)
Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Members (7): Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Secretary-General: Indra Mani Pandey (India), 4th Secretary General, assumed office January 2024; first Indian to hold the position
Key sectors: Trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, environment, counter-terrorism, people-to-people contacts

Nepal Relevance

Nepal is a founding member. BIMSTEC is seen as an alternative regional forum when SAARC remains stalled. Nepal advocates for connectivity and trade facilitation within BIMSTEC.

Headquarters

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Founded Year

1997

Current Head/SG

Indra Mani Pandey

Category

Regional