BIMSTEC 4th Summit In Nepal 2019

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) convened its 4th summit in Nepal, marking a significant event after a four-year hiatus since the previous summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, in 2014. BIMSTEC, established on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration, is a regional organization comprising seven member states bordering the Bay of Bengal: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. The organization's secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BIMSTEC: Charting a Course for Regional Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, more commonly known as BIMSTEC, stands as a crucial regional organization linking South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its formation in 1997 was driven by a shared desire among its member states to foster rapid economic development, accelerate social progress, and promote collaboration on matters of mutual interest within the Bay of Bengal region. The 4th BIMSTEC summit, held in Nepal after a noticeable gap since the 3rd summit in Myanmar, underscores both the importance and the challenges inherent in maintaining momentum within such a diverse regional grouping. This summit serves as a pivotal moment to reassess BIMSTEC's trajectory, evaluate its successes and shortcomings, and chart a course for future cooperation.

Genesis and Evolution of BIMSTEC

The origins of BIMSTEC can be traced back to the Bangkok Declaration of June 6, 1997, which formally established the organization. Initially, it was known as BIST-EC, comprising Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation. The inclusion of Myanmar later that year transformed it into BIMST-EC. In 2004, with the addition of Nepal and Bhutan, the organization adopted its current name, BIMSTEC, reflecting its broader geographical reach and scope of cooperation.

The impetus for BIMSTEC's formation stemmed from a confluence of factors. The end of the Cold War had ushered in a new era of globalization and regionalism, prompting countries to seek closer economic and political ties with their neighbors. The Bay of Bengal region, with its strategic location and abundant natural resources, held immense potential for economic development. However, the region also faced numerous challenges, including poverty, environmental degradation, and security threats. BIMSTEC was envisioned as a platform to address these challenges and unlock the region's potential through enhanced cooperation.

From its inception, BIMSTEC adopted a multi-sectoral approach, focusing on a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, transport, energy, tourism, technology, fisheries, agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, and people-to-people contact. This broad agenda reflected the diverse interests and priorities of its member states. Over time, BIMSTEC has evolved from a primarily economic organization to one that also encompasses political, security, and social dimensions.

Member States: Diversity and Shared Interests

BIMSTEC's membership comprises seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. This diverse group of nations represents a wide range of cultures, political systems, and levels of economic development. Bangladesh, as the host of the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, plays a crucial role in coordinating the organization's activities. Bhutan and Nepal, being landlocked countries, view BIMSTEC as a vital gateway to the sea and a means of diversifying their trade routes. India, as the largest economy in the region, is a key driver of BIMSTEC's economic agenda. Sri Lanka, with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, contributes to BIMSTEC's maritime security efforts. Myanmar, bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia, serves as a crucial link between the two regions. Thailand, as one of the founding members, brings its experience in regional cooperation and its strong economic ties with Southeast Asia to the table.

Despite their diversity, BIMSTEC member states share several common interests. They are all littoral states of the Bay of Bengal, making them vulnerable to similar environmental challenges, such as climate change, sea-level rise, and natural disasters. They also share a common desire to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance regional security. BIMSTEC provides a forum for these countries to address these shared interests through collective action.

Objectives and Principles Guiding BIMSTEC

The objectives of BIMSTEC, as enshrined in the Bangkok Declaration, are multifaceted and ambitious. They include:

• Creating an enabling environment for rapid economic development through joint endeavors in identified areas of cooperation.
• Accelerating social progress and promoting collaboration on matters of common interest in the economic, social, technical, and scientific fields.
• Promoting active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, technical, and scientific fields.
• Providing assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities.
• Cooperating more effectively in joint efforts that are supportive of and complementary to national development plans of the member states.
• Cooperating in projects that can be dealt with most effectively on a regional basis.
• Maintaining peace and stability in the region through close collaboration.

To achieve these objectives, BIMSTEC operates on the basis of several key principles, including:

• Respect for the sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
• Mutual respect for the diverse cultures, traditions, and values of member states.
• Peaceful settlement of disputes.
• Adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
• Commitment to free and fair trade.
• Flexibility and pragmatism in decision-making.

These principles provide a framework for cooperation that respects the diversity of BIMSTEC member states while promoting a shared vision of regional development and stability.

Organizational Structure and Functioning

BIMSTEC's organizational structure is relatively simple, reflecting its focus on practical cooperation. The highest decision-making body is the BIMSTEC Summit, which brings together the heads of state or government of the member states. The summit is held every two years, or as otherwise decided by the member states. The summit provides strategic direction for BIMSTEC's activities and sets priorities for future cooperation.

The BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, comprising the foreign ministers of the member states, is held annually. The Ministerial Meeting reviews the progress of BIMSTEC's activities, approves new initiatives, and prepares for the summit.

The BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting, comprising senior officials from the foreign ministries of the member states, is held regularly to monitor the implementation of BIMSTEC's decisions and to coordinate the work of the various BIMSTEC working groups.

The BIMSTEC Secretariat, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, provides administrative and technical support to BIMSTEC's activities. The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary-General, who is appointed by the member states on a rotational basis. The Secretariat's functions include:

• Coordinating BIMSTEC's activities.
• Organizing meetings and conferences.
• Preparing reports and documents.
• Disseminating information about BIMSTEC.
• Providing technical assistance to member states.

BIMSTEC also has a number of working groups and committees that focus on specific areas of cooperation. These working groups bring together experts from the member states to develop and implement projects and initiatives.

Key Areas of Cooperation within BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC's multi-sectoral approach encompasses a wide range of areas of cooperation. These areas have been prioritized based on the needs and interests of the member states. Some of the key areas of cooperation include:

• Trade and Investment: BIMSTEC aims to create a free trade area among its member states. Negotiations are ongoing on a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which would cover trade in goods, services, and investment. The FTA is expected to boost intra-BIMSTEC trade and investment, leading to greater economic integration.
• Transport and Connectivity: Improving transport infrastructure and connectivity is a key priority for BIMSTEC. Several projects are underway to develop road, rail, and sea links between the member states. These projects include the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which will connect India's eastern seaboard to Myanmar's Sittwe port and then to India's northeastern states via the Kaladan River. Another important project is the BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement, which will facilitate the cross-border movement of vehicles between the member states.
• Energy: BIMSTEC aims to promote cooperation in the energy sector, including the development of renewable energy sources. The region has abundant hydropower potential, which can be harnessed to meet the growing energy needs of the member states. BIMSTEC is also working on developing a regional electricity grid, which would allow the member states to share electricity and improve energy security.
• Tourism: BIMSTEC aims to promote tourism in the region by developing joint tourism packages and promoting cultural exchanges. The region has a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural attractions, which can be leveraged to attract tourists from around the world.
• Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime: BIMSTEC recognizes the threat posed by terrorism and transnational crime to regional security. The organization is working to enhance cooperation in these areas through information sharing, joint training exercises, and the development of legal frameworks.
• Environment and Disaster Management: BIMSTEC is committed to addressing the environmental challenges facing the Bay of Bengal region, including climate change, sea-level rise, and natural disasters. The organization is working to promote sustainable development and to enhance cooperation in disaster preparedness and response.
• Agriculture: Given that a significant portion of the population in BIMSTEC countries is dependent on agriculture, this sector is crucial. Cooperation focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security. Initiatives include sharing best practices in farming, developing climate-resilient agriculture, and promoting value addition in agricultural products.
• Public Health: Cooperation in public health is aimed at preventing and controlling communicable diseases, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting access to affordable healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in public health, and BIMSTEC has been working to enhance its capacity to respond to future health crises.
• People-to-People Contact: Recognizing the importance of fostering understanding and goodwill among the people of the region, BIMSTEC promotes cultural exchanges, educational programs, and tourism. Initiatives include scholarships for students, cultural festivals, and simplified visa procedures for tourists.

Challenges and Constraints Facing BIMSTEC

Despite its potential, BIMSTEC faces a number of challenges and constraints. These include:

• Lack of Resources: BIMSTEC has limited financial and human resources, which constrains its ability to implement its ambitious agenda. The organization relies heavily on contributions from its member states, which are often insufficient to meet its needs.
• Lack of Institutional Capacity: The BIMSTEC Secretariat is relatively small and lacks the capacity to effectively coordinate the organization's activities. The Secretariat needs to be strengthened to enable it to play a more effective role in promoting regional cooperation.
• Political Instability: Political instability in some of the member states can hinder BIMSTEC's progress. Political instability can lead to policy changes and disruptions in regional cooperation efforts.
• Security Concerns: Security concerns, such as terrorism and transnational crime, can also impede BIMSTEC's progress. These security threats can disrupt trade and investment and undermine regional stability.
• Bilateral Disputes: Bilateral disputes between member states can also create obstacles to regional cooperation. These disputes can lead to mistrust and hinder the implementation of joint projects.
• Overlapping Membership with Other Regional Organizations: Many BIMSTEC member states are also members of other regional organizations, such as SAARC and ASEAN. This can lead to overlapping mandates and competition for resources.
• Slow Pace of Implementation: The implementation of BIMSTEC's decisions has often been slow and uneven. This is due to a variety of factors, including a lack of political will, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of resources.
• Asymmetric Power Dynamics: India, being the largest economy and most populous country in the region, tends to dominate BIMSTEC. This can create resentment among the smaller member states, who may feel that their interests are not being adequately represented.

The 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Nepal: A Renewed Focus

The 4th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in August 2018, was a significant event for the organization. The summit, which took place after a four-year gap since the previous summit in Myanmar in 2014, provided an opportunity for the member states to review BIMSTEC's progress, address its challenges, and chart a course for future cooperation.

The theme of the summit was "Towards a Peaceful, Prosperous and Sustainable Bay of Bengal Region." The summit focused on a number of key issues, including:

• Connectivity: The summit emphasized the importance of improving transport infrastructure and connectivity in the region. The leaders agreed to expedite the implementation of ongoing connectivity projects, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement.
• Trade and Investment: The summit reaffirmed the commitment to conclude the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as soon as possible. The leaders recognized that the FTA would boost intra-BIMSTEC trade and investment, leading to greater economic integration.
• Counter-Terrorism: The summit condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the commitment to combat terrorism and transnational crime. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in these areas through information sharing, joint training exercises, and the development of legal frameworks.
• Climate Change: The summit recognized the threat posed by climate change to the Bay of Bengal region and reaffirmed the commitment to address this challenge. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in disaster preparedness and response and to promote sustainable development.
• Poverty Alleviation: The summit emphasized the importance of poverty alleviation and reaffirmed the commitment to reduce poverty in the region. The leaders agreed to promote inclusive growth and to create employment opportunities for the poor.

The summit also adopted the Kathmandu Declaration, which outlines the vision for BIMSTEC's future. The declaration reaffirms the commitment to regional cooperation and sets out a number of priorities for the organization.

India's Role and Interests in BIMSTEC

India plays a pivotal role in BIMSTEC, driven by its strategic and economic interests in the Bay of Bengal region. India sees BIMSTEC as a key platform for promoting its "Neighborhood First" policy and for strengthening its ties with countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

India's interests in BIMSTEC are multifaceted:

• Strategic Importance: The Bay of Bengal is strategically important for India, as it provides access to vital sea lanes of communication and is a gateway to Southeast Asia. BIMSTEC allows India to enhance its security and influence in the region.
• Economic Opportunities: BIMSTEC offers India significant economic opportunities. The region is a growing market for Indian goods and services, and BIMSTEC can help India to increase its trade and investment with its neighbors.
• Connectivity: India is keen to improve connectivity with its neighbors through BIMSTEC. Connectivity projects, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, will help India to access new markets and to promote economic development in its northeastern states.
• Counter-Terrorism: India is concerned about the threat of terrorism in the region and sees BIMSTEC as a platform for enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism.
• Regional Stability: India is committed to promoting regional stability and sees BIMSTEC as a tool for achieving this goal.

India has been actively involved in BIMSTEC's activities and has provided significant financial and technical assistance to the organization. India has also taken the lead in several key areas of cooperation, such as counter-terrorism and disaster management.

BIMSTEC vs. SAARC: A Comparative Analysis

BIMSTEC is often compared to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Both are regional organizations that aim to promote cooperation among countries in South Asia. However, there are some key differences between the two organizations.

• Membership: SAARC comprises eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. BIMSTEC comprises seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
• Geographical Scope: SAARC is limited to South Asia, while BIMSTEC bridges South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Focus: SAARC has a broader focus, encompassing a wide range of areas of cooperation, including political, economic, social, and cultural issues. BIMSTEC has a more focused approach, prioritizing economic and technical cooperation.
• Effectiveness: SAARC has been plagued by political tensions between India and Pakistan, which have hindered its progress. BIMSTEC has been relatively less affected by political tensions and has been able to make more progress in some areas, such as trade and connectivity.

Some analysts believe that BIMSTEC has the potential to replace SAARC as the primary platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. However, others argue that both organizations have a role to play and that they can complement each other.

The Future of BIMSTEC: Prospects and Challenges

The future of BIMSTEC is uncertain. The organization has the potential to play a significant role in promoting regional cooperation and development in the Bay of Bengal region. However, it also faces a number of challenges and constraints.

To realize its full potential, BIMSTEC needs to:

• Strengthen its institutional capacity: The BIMSTEC Secretariat needs to be strengthened to enable it to play a more effective role in coordinating the organization's activities.
• Increase its resources: BIMSTEC needs to increase its financial and human resources to enable it to implement its ambitious agenda.
• Address its challenges: BIMSTEC needs to address its challenges, such as political instability, security concerns, and bilateral disputes.
• Enhance its effectiveness: BIMSTEC needs to improve its effectiveness by streamlining its decision-making processes and by ensuring that its decisions are implemented in a timely manner.
• Foster greater political will: BIMSTEC needs to foster greater political will among its member states to promote regional cooperation.

If BIMSTEC can overcome these challenges, it has the potential to become a more effective and influential regional organization. The Bay of Bengal region is a dynamic and growing region, and BIMSTEC can play a key role in shaping its future.

Legal and Procedural Aspects of BIMSTEC

The Bangkok Declaration of 1997 serves as the foundational legal framework for BIMSTEC. This declaration outlines the objectives, principles, and areas of cooperation for the organization. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states. The declaration also establishes the initial priority sectors for cooperation, which have evolved over time based on the changing needs and priorities of the member states.

In terms of procedures, BIMSTEC operates through a consensus-based decision-making process. This means that all member states must agree on any decision before it can be implemented. This can sometimes lead to delays and compromises, but it also ensures that all member states have a voice in the organization's affairs. The BIMSTEC Secretariat plays a crucial role in facilitating the decision-making process by providing technical and administrative support to the member states.

Stakeholder Perspectives and National Interests

Each BIMSTEC member state has its own unique perspective and national interests that shape its engagement with the organization. India, as the largest economy in the region, views BIMSTEC as a key platform for promoting its economic and strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal region. Bangladesh, as the host of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, is committed to strengthening the organization and promoting regional cooperation. Nepal and Bhutan, being landlocked countries, see BIMSTEC as a vital gateway to the sea and a means of diversifying their trade routes. Sri Lanka, with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, contributes to BIMSTEC's maritime security efforts. Myanmar, bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia, serves as a crucial link between the two regions. Thailand, as one of the founding members, brings its experience in regional cooperation and its strong economic ties with Southeast Asia to the table.

These diverse perspectives and national interests can sometimes create challenges for BIMSTEC, as member states may have different priorities and agendas. However, they also provide opportunities for cooperation, as member states can leverage their unique strengths and resources to contribute to the organization's goals.

Broader Implications: Political, Economic, and Security Dimensions

BIMSTEC has broad implications for the political, economic, and security landscape of the Bay of Bengal region. Politically, BIMSTEC can help to strengthen regional diplomatic ties and to promote cooperation on issues of common concern. Economically, BIMSTEC can facilitate trade, investment, and economic growth in the region. Security-wise, BIMSTEC can promote regional stability and cooperation on security matters, such as counter-terrorism and maritime security.

However, BIMSTEC's impact is not limited to these three dimensions. It can also have implications for social and cultural exchange, environmental protection, and disaster management. By promoting cooperation in these areas, BIMSTEC can help to improve the lives of the people in the Bay of Bengal region and to create a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for the region.

Ongoing Issues and Future Outlook

Several ongoing issues are closely related to BIMSTEC's agenda. These include regional connectivity projects, trade and investment agreements, counter-terrorism cooperation, and climate change and disaster management. These issues require continued attention and cooperation among the BIMSTEC member states.

Looking ahead, the future of BIMSTEC depends on the commitment and political will of its member states. If the member states are willing to invest in the organization and to address its challenges, BIMSTEC has the potential to become a more effective and influential regional organization. The Bay of Bengal region is a dynamic and growing region, and BIMSTEC can play a key role in shaping its future. Continued efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, implement agreed-upon initiatives, and address emerging challenges in the Bay of Bengal region are essential for BIMSTEC to achieve its goals and to contribute to the prosperity and stability of the region. The organization's ability to adapt to evolving regional dynamics and to address the diverse needs of its member states will be crucial for its long-term success.