Latest news with #BIMSTEC
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Are China, Pakistan, Bangladesh quietly planting region's new framework?
In a quiet but potentially defining moment for South Asia, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China and Bangladesh convened in the Chinese city of Kunming last month. It may have looked like just another diplomatic gathering, but it signalled a strategic shift – one that could recalibrate the balance of regional cooperation and breathe life into the idea of a regional framework post-SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation For decades, SAARC was envisioned as the collective voice of South Asia, a platform where neighbours – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – could come together despite their political differences. Yet, SAARC today feels like a relic of a bygone era. India's repeated refusal to participate in SAARC summits, citing tensions with Pakistan, has stalled the organisation. Even Bangladesh's recent call to revive SAARC in the post-Hasina political climate seemed more nostalgic than practical. Truth is, SAARC has always been hostage to bilateral disputes, particularly between India and Pakistan, and that structural weakness may now prove fatal. India, unwilling to engage with Pakistan in a multilateral setting, has shifted its attention to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a seven-nation initiative – including Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka – that notably excludes Pakistan. Meanwhile, India's growing partnership with the United States under its Indo-Pacific strategy has cast it as Washington's preferred regional partner in its bid to counter China's influence. This has not gone unnoticed in China, which finds itself recalibrating its South Asia engagement strategy. For China, Pakistan is a partner in the important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a strategic gateway to South Asia. The relationship, based on trust and deepened over the test of time, is not just convenient – it is essential. For Pakistan, which faces a gradual isolation from regional forums and remains at odds with India, an alternative multilateral framework that includes China and like-minded South Asian states could offer both strategic relevance and economic opportunity.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
India hosts 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise for cyclones, floods
New Delhi: India virtually hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise from July 14-15, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement on Wednesday. As per the MEA, the Exercise was organised by the National Disaster Management Authority of India as a Tabletop Exercise. It witnessed the participation of disaster management professionals from BIMSTEC Member States to assess and enhance regional preparedness for cyclones and floods. MEA said that the participants presented details of national disaster management architectures, engaged in simulated scenarios, evaluated response frameworks and shared best practices to strengthen coordination for disaster response across the region. The details of the Exercise were also shared by BIMSTEC in a post on X. India has always stood by its partners in the region as the first responder in times of crisis. The Exercise further strengthened cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region towards disaster preparedness, response and resilience. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a grouping of seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal. MEA in an official statement had noted that BIMSTEC is a unique link connecting South Asia with South-East Asia - five Members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand). The BIMSTEC region brings together 1.7 billion people - 22 per cent of world population with a combined GDP of USD 5 trillion. The organization came into existence on June 6, 1997 through the 'Bangkok Declaration'. It was originally formed with four Member States with the acronym 'BIST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation). Following inclusion of Myanmar in December 1997, it was renamed 'BIMST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation). With the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004, the name of the grouping was changed to BIMSTEC. (
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India always stood by regional partners as 1st responder during crisis: MEA
India has "always stood" by its partners in the region as the first responder in times of crisis, and the BIMSTEC disaster management exercise further strengthened cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region towards disaster preparedness, response and resilience, the MEA said on Wednesday. India hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise virtually on July 14-15. The exercise organised by the National Disaster Management Authority, as a tabletop exercise, witnessed the participation of disaster management professionals from BIMSTEC Member States to assess and enhance regional preparedness for cyclones and floods. "The participants presented details of national disaster management architectures, engaged in simulated scenarios, evaluated response frameworks and shared best practices to strengthen coordination for disaster response across the region," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. "India has always stood by its partners in the region as the first responder in times of crisis. The Exercise further strengthened cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region towards disaster preparedness, response and resilience," it said. India also hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam on July 14-15. The theme of the conclave was 'Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships'. The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and saw participation of delegations of the BIMSTEC member States, comprising officials, maritime experts, port authorities, private sector leaders, and regional development partners. "The Conclave discussed diverse issues such as harmonising customs procedures and enhancing logistical links to boost intra-regional trade, port-linked industrial zones, cruise tourism, digital integration, upskilling maritime workforce, industry-academia ties, green shipping," the MEA said in another statement on Wednesday. This initiative by India, in line with its Neighbourhood First policy, will "further strengthen maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region," it said. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation is now known as BIMSTEC, comprises seven Member States with the admission of Myanmar later in 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in 2004.
Canada News.Net
4 days ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Union Minister Sonowal envisions BIMSTEC Maritime Transport pact as blueprint to transform Bay of Bengal for tourism
Vishakhapatnam (Kerala) [India], July 14 (ANI): The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the second edition of BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on Monday, according to Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways press release. The two-day event played a critical role in strengthening regional maritime connectivity, ports cooperation and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region. The event is being attended by policymakers, high end officials, maritime experts, port authorities, private sector stakeholders, and academic scholars from all seven BIMSTEC nations, i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, added the release. Envisaging the role of BIMSTEC Ports Conclave as the springboard for sustainable development of port led industrial clusters, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared his vision and said, 'The BIMSTEC Ports Conclave stands as a springboard to unlock the immense potential of Blue Economy from the Bay of Bengal region. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has a 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and in this sees BIMSTEC nations as key partners in regional prosperity.' 'We want this platform to enhance collaboration among all member nations for strengthening port led industrialisation, digital integration and skill development which in turn boost cruise tourism, and foster coastal economic zones. Together, we aim to create a seamless and efficient network of ports that can serve as engines of growth. Through joint feasibility studies, PPP, and skill development of our maritime workforce, we can transform our region into a thriving hub of global trade, tourism, and sustainable economic progress.' he added Building upon the momentum of the 1st BIMSTEC Ports Conclave, the meet aims to operationalise the recently signed BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), facilitate dialogue on port-led development, and foster deeper integration in maritime trade, logistics, cruise tourism, and skill development. The Conclave is designed to chart a common path towards a sustainable, resilient, and integrated maritime future for the Bay of Bengal, promoting robust economic growth while ensuring environmental stewardship. India was first to ratify the agreement. The Union Minister called upon its speedy ratification of AMTC and implementation, added the release. Sarbananda Sonowal announced that a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre is going to be established under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. Underlining the role of this centre to operationalise AMTC BIMSTEC, Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'The centre marks a significant step forward in operationalising the BIMSTEC AMTC pact. This Centre will act as a catalyst for harmonising maritime policies, advancing digital and green transformation, and building the skills and capacity of our maritime workforce. By fostering collaboration and innovation, it will help reduce trade costs, enhance connectivity, and position the Bay of Bengal as a vibrant, sustainable hub of regional and global trade.' The Conclave featured two key sessions shaping BIMSTEC's maritime future. The first focused on boosting private sector investment and PPPs to overcome outdated infrastructure and limited coordination, proposing a regional PPP facilitation platform and harmonised laws. The second explored opportunities from shifting global supply chains, highlighting prospects to attract manufacturing hubs in shipbuilding, logistics, electronics, and renewables. Both sessions stressed the need for co-coordinate strategies, improved connectivity, and policy reforms to unlock the Bay of Bengal's potential as a resilient trade and industry hub. The Conclave's sessions focused on operationalising the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, harmonising customs and logistics to boost intra-regional trade, and unlocking cruise tourism's potential through PPPs and joint branding. Panels explored plans for port-linked industrial zones, digital integration, and sustainable cruise routes, alongside proposals for a BIMSTEC Ports Coordination Centre and a regional Port Community System. Emphasis was placed on joint investment in multimodal logistics parks, SEZs, and enhancing hinterland connectivity. The need to upskill the maritime workforce through cross-border training, industry-academia ties, and green shipping innovation was highlighted as crucial to the region's future. Collectively, these discussions charted a strategic roadmap to transform the Bay of Bengal into a resilient trade, tourism, and logistics hub. Speaking about Kaladaan project, which is being discussed at the event, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project stands as a transformative gateway connecting India's Northeast to the Bay of Bengal, dramatically reducing transit time and trade costs while unlocking new economic opportunities for the region. As envisioned by our dynamic PM Modi, under India's Act East Policy, Kaladan is not just a bilateral initiative with Myanmar, but a model for seamless regional connectivity across BIMSTEC. By linking ports, trade corridors, and value chains, it has the potential to catalyse inclusive growth, deepen integration with our neighbours, and bring the Northeast closer to the global marketplace.' 'Through collaborative planning and policy alignment, Kaladan can truly become a cornerstone of our shared vision for prosperity and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal.' he added. At the inaugural session, the Union Minister Sonowal was joined by the Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, the MP of Visakhapatnam, M Sribharat; the Secretary General of BIMSTEC, Mani Pandey; the Secretary of MoPSW, TK Ramachandran; the Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), M Angamuthu along with 28 delegates from all the BIMSTEC member nations. (ANI)
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Day 2 of BIMSTEC Conclave focuses on maritime cooperation, tourism potential and port reforms
The second day of the 2nd BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Ports Conclave featured high-level panel discussions on enhancing maritime cooperation, port efficiency, cruise tourism, and human resource development in the Bay of Bengal region. Subject experts moderated the sessions, offering insights into key regional challenges, while eminent speakers shared practical perspectives and solutions. The day opened with a session on boosting intra-regional trade—currently at just 7%—through streamlined customs, removal of regulatory hurdles, and improved logistics to ensure seamless cargo movement and port operations. A dedicated panel explored the vast potential for cruise tourism, focusing on collaborative promotion of cruise circuits, eco-tourism, and heritage-based coastal tourism, drawing on the region's rich biodiversity and cultural legacy. Another session outlined strategic roadmaps for BIMSTEC port collaboration, emphasizing sustainable development, innovation, and global best practices. The final technical session stressed the need to upskill the maritime workforce through public-private partnerships in maritime education, shipbuilding, and port management to build a competitive talent base. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal visited Hindustan Shipyard in the morning and later reviewed key issues at the Dredging Corporation of India. Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Chairperson M. Angamuthu also participated in the conclave.
