BIMSTEC: Check Full Form, Member Countries, Key Objectives and Purpose of this Cooperation

On April 4, 2025, the sixth Bimstec Summit was held in Bangkok, Thailand. At the summit, BIMSTEC leaders approved six key results with a vision to be completed by 2030. The Bay of Bengal Multisector Technology and Economic Cooperation Initiative (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization that brings together seven countries from South and Southeast Asia. It was officially established on 6 June 1997 and signed the Bangkok Declaration. It was created to cooperate in various economic and technological fields among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal. By enhancing collaboration in areas such as trade, connectivity, technology and security, Bimstec has played a crucial role in strengthening regional integration and promoting sustainable development in its member states.

The agreement aims to strengthen economic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

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Membership extension

After Bimstec was founded, it included more countries over time:

nation	Date to join
Myanmar	December 22, 1997
Nepal	February 2004
Bhutan	February 2004

With Myanmar joining, the name changed to Bimst-EC and finally in July 2004, at the first summit in Bangkok, it became Bimstec, which we know today.

What is Bimstec’s main goal?

The main goal of BIMSTEC is to help countries achieve their economic growth, support social development, and encourage development in other areas such as science, technology and economic development.

All of its goals are given below:

• By working together in projects in areas such as trade, commerce, technology, agriculture, tourism, energy and transportation, member countries can develop their economies faster.
• Support social and economic progress in the region by working as an equal partner.
• Encourage teamwork and help each other in areas such as economic, science, technology and social development.
• Provide support through training and research on education, work and technical skills.
• Form strong and useful partnerships with other global and regional organizations that share the same goal.

What role does the national focus play in Bimstec’s five-layer structure?

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Every BIMSTEC member state has a national focus in its diplomatic or diplomatic office. These offices are the primary contacts between Member States and the Bimstec Secretariat for all BIMSTEC-related communication and coordination.

The structure of Bimstec

Bimstec has five main organizational levels:

1. Summit – This includes national or government leaders from all member states.
2. Ministerial Meeting – This involves ministers handling foreign affairs in each member state.
3. Department Ministerial Meetings – According to the theme, these are ministerial meetings responsible for specific areas such as trade, energy or transportation.
4. Meetings of senior officials – These meetings include senior officials such as diplomatic secretary or other senior representatives appointed by member states.
5. BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) – This group consists of senior officials from each country’s national focus and regularly works to manage ongoing tasks.

What is the purpose of Bimstec’s cooperation?

Bimstec’s purpose is:

1. Support rapid economic growth by working together in agreed projects in different fields such as trade, energy, transportation, etc. Member States may review and update these areas from time to time.
2. Promote the development and improve life in the Bay Area of ​​Bengal through teamwork and equal partnerships.
3. Work closely and help each other in important areas such as economic, science, technology and social development.
4. Support each other through training and research on education, work and technical skills.
5. Implement joint projects that are well-suited with each country’s development plan to help improve living standards, create jobs, and build better roads and communication systems.
6. Focus on projects that are done together at the regional level and leverage the strengths of each country.
7. Maintain peace and security in the Bay of Bengal through joint resistance to terrorism, organized crime, natural disasters, climate change and disease.
8. Form strong partnerships with other regional and global organizations with similar goals.
9. Committed to eradicating poverty in the region.
10. Improve transportation and communication links between countries, make the region more connected and helps economic development.
11. Encourage trade and investment as key ways to support economic and social progress in the region.

In what areas does Bimstec focus?

BIMSTEC was initially focused on 6 departments at startup:

1. trading
2. technology
3. vitality
4. transportation
5. travel
6. Fisheries

Later in 2008, it added more areas:

1. agriculture
2. Public Health
3. Relieve poverty
4. Counter-terrorism
5. environment
6. Cultural exchange
7. Climate change
8. Connection between people

Now let’s take a look at the important results of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit 2025

Bimstec’s leaders agreed to six important documents at the 2025 Bimstec Summit. These files are:

1. Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030 – This is the main highlight of the summit. This is the first long-term plan to make Bimstec more prosperous, strong and open by 2030. The vision focuses on improving trade, transportation links, and people’s safety and well-being
2. 6th Bimstec Summit Statement – This document shows strong support from leaders for Bimstec and New Vision 2030
3. BIMSTEC’s Procedure Rules – This sets clear rules on how Bimstec works, helping the team operate more smoothly and effectively
4. Report from Bimstec’s famous people’s group – This report’s view on how Bimstec moves forward in line with the vision of 2030
5. Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation – A new agreement has been signed to improve maritime transport between South and Southeast Asia. This will help reduce transportation costs, make trade faster and make it easier for goods and people to move around the region
6. Joint Statement on the Earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand – Leaders express sympathy and support for those affected by the recent earthquake. They also promised to work more closely on disaster response and preparation.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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