6th BIMSTEC summit concludes with Bangkok Vision 2030, maritime agreement approval

BANGKOK: The Sixth BIMSTEC Summit concluded in Bangkok, Thailand, today, with the adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030 document.

The Summit approved a six-point proposal, which includes the Bangkok Vision, focusing on trade expansion, communication networks, and human security in the region. The theme of the Summit was "BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open".

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, held a press conference in Bangkok to announce the proposal. The key points include the establishment of an action-oriented mechanism to enhance BIMSTEC's effectiveness, the formation of an Eminent Persons Group to chart its future course, a maritime transport agreement, and a joint statement addressing assistance for earthquake-hit Myanmar and Thailand. It also highlights the importance of people-to-people connectivity, giving priority to tourism and culture.

The Summit outcomes include the adoption of the Summit Declaration, the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 document providing a roadmap for regional prosperity, the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement to facilitate mutual recognition of certificates, national treatment for vessels, and a dispute resolution mechanism. Additionally, the Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group, containing recommendations for the organisation's future, was approved.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s first official visit to Thailand, coinciding with the Summit, was noted by the Thai Prime Minister as a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.

Leaders from BIMSTEC member nations, including Prime Minister Oli, addressed the Summit.

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