Asia Regional Integration Center - Infrastructure and Software

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMST-EC)

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was set up in June 1997 to foster socio-economic cooperation among Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Myanmar was admitted as a full member in December 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in 2004. Priority areas of cooperation include: fisheries, trade and investment, technology, energy, transport and communication, and tourism.

The First Summit Meeting held in 2004 highlighted, among other milestones, the signing of a Framework Agreement for a BIMSTEC Free Trade Area, the launch of the Visit BIMSTEC Year 2004-2005, a year-long Plan of Action on tourism, and the establishment of the BIMSTEC Center in Bangkok.


		Second BIMSTEC Summit Declaration BIMST-EC (13 November 2008)
		Joint Statement of the 10th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting BIMST-EC (29 August 2008)
		Joint Statement of the Ninth BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting Ministry of External Affairs - India (09 August 2006)
		Joint Statement of the Eighth BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Bangladesh (19 December 2005)
		BIMST-EC Kolkata Declaration on Tourism Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Kingdom of Thailand (23 February 2005)
		BIMST-EC Summit Declaration BIMST-EC (31 July 2004)
		Bangkok Declaration on the Establishment of the Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation (BIST-EC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Kingdom of Thailand (06 June 1997)


		Regional cooperation in transport: Myanmar perspective on BIMSTEC Thein, Cho Cho Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (September 2008)
		BIMSTEC-Japan cooperation in energy sector: Myanmar perspective Thein, Myat and Myoe Myint Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (May 2008)
		BIMSTEC-Japan cooperation in tourism development: Myanmar perspective Oo, Aung Kyaw Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (March 2008)
		Asian integration process and BIMSTEC Nag, Biswajit and Debdeep De Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (October 2007)
		BIMSTEC - Japan cooperation in transport: Bangladesh perspective Rahmatullah, M. Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (July 2007)
		BIMSTEC-Japan cooperation in tourism and environment: Bangladesh perspective Khan, Mizan R. and Mahfuzul Haque Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (May 2007)
		BIMSTEC-Japan cooperation in technology: Bangladesh perspective Islam, M. Nurul Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (April 2007)
		Role of Japan in the technological development of BIMSTEC: issues and opportunities for cooperation Datta, Pratip Kumar and Pritam Datta Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (January 2007)
		BIMSTEC transport infrastructure and logistics study Report, Asian Development Bank (August 2006)
		Technology upgradation through global value chains: challenges before BIMSTEC nations Palit, Amitendu Discussion Paper, Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (January 2006)
		Transport cooperation in BIMST-EC: issues and way forward De, Prabir Discussion Paper, Research and Information System for the Non-Aligned and other Developing Countries (May 2004)
		Future directions of BIMST-EC: towards a Bay of Bengal Economic Community (BoBEC) RIS Policy Brief, New Asia Forum (February 2004)


		Nepal may trade via train with Bangladesh Republica (18 November 2009)
		Bangladesh Power Secretary to visit India for energy talks Business Standard (17 November 2009)
		India 'positive' on rail transit to Nepal The Daily Star (15 November 2009)
		Building a better Bhutan-Bangladesh relationship The New Nation (14 November 2009)
		Bhutan, Bangladesh seek greater regional connectivity New Kerala (08 November 2009)
		Dhaka wants India to give Nepal, Bhutan transit The Daily Star (08 October 2009)
		Dhaka seeks access to Nepal and Bhutan through India Thaindian News (08 October 2009)
		Thailand keen on Indian road projects but finds rules complex Sindh Today (07 October 2009)
		Opinions split over India's entry into Bangla transport infra Zee News (01 October 2009)
		Bangladesh experts debate Dhaka-Delhi effort for connectivity Thaindian News (13 September 2009)
		Delhi offers transit, power The Daily Star (11 September 2009)
		India, Nepal to boost air service The Assam Tribune (11 September 2009)
		India agreed to provide at least 100-MW power to Bangladesh Energy Bangla (10 September 2009)
		Bangladesh to allow India to use port facilities Earthtimes.org (10 September 2009)
		Increased regional connectivity involving India A Pakistan News (09 September 2009)
		Power import, water top Dhaka-Delhi talks bdnews24.com (08 September 2009)
		Nepal-Sri Lanka to resume direct flights Daily Mirror (28 July 2009)
		ADB Chief suggests cooperation with India, Nepal to Bangladesh The Daily Star (23 July 2009)
		Nepal seeks resumption of direct air link with Myanmar Xinhua News Agency (23 July 2009)
		India offers technical help for railways, river dredging to Bangladesh The New Nation (12 July 2009)
		Bangladesh for free movement with India dayafterindia.com (10 July 2009)
		Myanmar signs two agreements with Sri Lanka Earthtimes.org (15 June 2009)
		Myanmar, Sri Lanka mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties CRI ENGLISH.com (07 June 2009)
		Dhaka hopes to have headquarter of sub-regional bloc New Kerala (20 May 2009)
		Bangladesh to strengthen connectivity with Northeast India Business Standard (07 April 2009)
		Bangladesh, India renew inland water transit and trade protocol Xinhua News Agency (24 March 2009)
		Sri Lanka and Myanmar reiterate the closeness of their ties Asian Tribune (18 March 2009)
		Report: Myanmar-India border road upgrade to complete by 2010 Xinhua News Agency (15 March 2009)
		Northeast chief ministers to visit Dhaka seeking transit facility Sindh Today (25 February 2009)
		Sri Lankan President Rajapakse to visit Nepal Gulf Times (22 February 2009)
		Sri Lankan President set to visit Nepal: Lumbini on itinerary The Himalayan Times (19 February 2009)
		Bhutan, India sign MoUs for three pilot projects Zee News (18 February 2009)
		First optical fibre link between India, Myanmar opened The Hindu (08 February 2009)
		New Delhi hopes Hasina will give transit rights for goods to northeast The Economic Times (05 February 2009)
		Myanmar-India optical fiber link project to complete next March The Hindu (17 December 2008)
		India, four others to develop subregional tourism The Economic Times (09 December 2008)
		Bangladesh: Army offers to build road link with Myanmar Gulf Times (08 December 2008)
		Nepal Prime Minister: India serious over reconstruction of Koshi Dam Telegraphnepal.com (18 November 2008)
		Nepal: Implementation of pacts with India satisfactory The Rising Nepal (17 November 2008)
		India: Prime Minister seeks strengthening of IMF, World Bank The Hindu Business Line (14 November 2008)
		Thai Prime Minister to attend BIMSTEC summit in India The Nation - Thailand (13 November 2008)
		Combating terrorism prominent at BIMSTEC Daily News (13 November 2008)
		BIMSTEC moots food bank The Statesman (13 November 2008)
		Joint press conference after the Second BIMSTEC Summit Ministry of External Affairs - India (13 November 2008)
		BIMSTEC to open tourism centre in Nepal kantipuronline (13 November 2008)
		Nepal proposes to host BIMSTEC Tourism Center nepalnews.com (13 November 2008)
		BIMSTEC Summit today The Tribune - India (13 November 2008)
		Top Bangladesh, Myanmar leaders to meet over gas exploration row The Earth Times (12 November 2008)
		Regional inputs on energy, counter terrorism from BIMSTEC The Island Online (12 November 2008)
		Myanmar Prime Minister to attend BIMSTEC summit Xinhua News Agency (11 November 2008)
		Connectivity, trade to rule BIMSTEC meet in Delhi Daily Star (09 November 2008)
		Seven heads of states at BIMSTEC conference Sunday Observer (09 November 2008)
		BIMSTEC meet to positively impact India�s northeast region The Financial Express - India (05 November 2008)
		Niche role for India in ties with Myanmar The Hindu (19 October 2008)
		India: Old road new role ipsnews.net (08 October 2008)
		BIMSTEC summit in New Delhi from November 11 The Financial Express - India (01 October 2008)
		Bangladesh-India maritime boundary talks: No meeting of minds Energy Bangla (24 September 2008)
		Nepal: Prachanda wants deep ties with India The Economic Times (16 September 2008)
		Thailand seeks road, rail links with North East The Assam Tribune (16 September 2008)
		Bangladesh: Dhaka proposes direct road link with Burma and Thailand narinjara.com (02 September 2008)
		BIMSTEC can be a bridge between South & Southeast Asia Energy Bangla (30 August 2008)
		BIMSTEC officials meet Indian Prime Minister Thaindian News (30 August 2008)
		Nepal seeks facilitation measures to boost sub-regional trade The Rising Nepal (29 August 2008)
		BIMSTEC focuses on master plan for transport The Nation - Thailand (28 August 2008)
		BIMSTEC meet to grapple with regional connectivity The Financial Express - Bangladesh (27 August 2008)
		Burmese foreign minister to attend BIMSTEC in New Delhi narinjara.com (27 August 2008)
		India-Nepal talks on flood control start Thaindian News (26 August 2008)
		Nepal Foreign Minister to raise Koshi issue with India The Rising Nepal (24 August 2008)
		Terrorism to lead in Delhi BIMSTEC summit News Track India (13 August 2008)
		BIMSTEC decides to collectively fight against poverty Xinhua News Agency (09 July 2008)
		Regional ties among BIMSTEC member countries stressed The New Nation (09 July 2008)
		BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held in Dhaka today narinjara.com (08 July 2008)
		BIMSTEC meet will focus on poverty, food security The Statesman (29 June 2008)
		BIMSTEC ministerial meeting on poverty alleviation Daily News (19 June 2008)
		Petroleum exploration in Bay of Bengal-Bangladesh initiative Energy Bangla (18 June 2008)
		Indian diaspora in Thai-India cooperation India Post (08 June 2008)
		Bangladesh-Myanmar road planned United Press International (02 June 2008)
		India, Burma sign Kaladan agreement Howrah News Service (02 April 2008)
		India, Burma sign Kaladan agreement Howrah News Service (02 April 2008)
		Myanmar deal right neighborly of India Asia Times (11 January 2008)
		Myanmar deal right neighborly of India Asian Times Online (11 January 2008)
		BIMSTEC meet on poverty postponed The Daily Star (07 January 2008)
		Dhaka postpones BIMSTEC ministerial meet The Hindu (07 January 2008)
		Burma to attend BIMSTEC meeting on poverty alleviation narinjara.com (05 January 2008)
		Expert group meet on BIMSTEC business visa scheme held Daily Star (28 November 2007)
		Nepal OKs three-year business visa for BIMSTEC Xinhua News Agency (27 November 2007)
		BIMSTEC agrees on negative list, value addition criteria kantipuronline (29 September 2007)
		Myanmar active in cooperation with BIMSTEC member countries People`s Daily (17 July 2007)
		Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand plan cargo liner to link port cities People`s Daily (12 June 2007)
		BIMSTEC meeting to be held in Thimpu of Bhutan Peace Journalism (22 April 2007)
		BIMSTEC likely to sign counter-terrorism deal next summit The Financial Express - Bangladesh (04 February 2007)
		West Bengal Chief Minister for revival of Assam's Dhubri Port DailyIndia.com (02 February 2007)
		BIMSTEC meet discussing scheme The Rising Nepal (01 February 2007)
		BIMSTEC summit postponed nepalnews.com (09 January 2007)
		A common regional grid? Kuensel online (25 October 2006)
		BIMSTEC tourism ministers sign Kathmandu Declaration People`s Daily (30 August 2006)
		BIMSTEC members call for regional cooperation to promote tourism nepalnews.com (29 August 2006)
		BIMSTEC tourism ministers' meeting held in Kathmandu People`s Daily (28 August 2006)
		Nepal to lead BIMSTEC cooperation in poverty alleviation kantipuronline (09 August 2006)
		BIMST-EC proposes movement facilities for businessmen Mizzima.com (02 June 2005)
		BIMST-EC meeting begins in Dhaka Mizzima.com (01 June 2005)
		BIMST-EC members to meet on tourism with India Association for Asian Research (AFAR) (17 February 2005)


		Bangladesh Prime Minister's Bhutan visit: the prospects of easing power crisis The Financial Express - Bangladesh (17 November 2009)
		A fight for equitable right in the sea The New Nation (14 October 2009)
		Cooperation in the energy sector between Bangladesh and India Energy Bangla (21 April 2009)
		The absent neighbor: China looms large in every aspect of India�s Myanmar policy The Telegraph (05 November 2008)
		BIMSTEC to overcome challenges The Daily Star (15 July 2008)
		The hard realities before BIMSTEC The Daily Star (11 July 2008)
		India's assistance to Myanmar must reflect its regional role MyNews (07 May 2008)
		BIMSTEC-FTA for regional cooperation The Rising Nepal (15 July 2007)
		For regular shipping service between Chittagong and Ranong The Financial Express - Bangladesh (01 June 2007)
		India's trading bloc The News (27 December 2006)


		2nd BIMSTEC Summit New Delhi, India (13 November 2008)
		11th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting New Delhi, India (12 November 2008)
		13th BIMSTEC Senior Official Meeting New Delhi, India (11 November 2008)
		10th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting New Delhi, India (29 August 2008)
		12th BIMSTEC Senior Officials� Meeting New Delhi, India (28 August 2008)
		Senior Officials Meeting and Ministerial Meeting on Poverty Alleviation Bangladesh (08 - 09 July 2008)
		2nd BIMSTEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting Kathmandu, Nepal (28 - 29 September 2006)
		9th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting New Delhi, India (09 August 2006)
		10th BIMSTEC Senior Officials` Meeting (SOM) & 8th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting Dhaka, Bangladesh (18 - 19 December 2005)
		1st BIMST-EC Tourism Ministerial Meeting Kolkata (Calcutta), India (21 - 23 February 2005)
		5th BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting Phuket, Thailand (07 February 2004)
		7th BIMST-EC Senior Officials` Meeting (SOM) Phuket, Thailand (06 February 2004)