BIMSTEC Celebrates 20th Anniversary

In 2017, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) commemorated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of regional collaboration. BIMSTEC, established on June 6, 1997, comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan, with its permanent secretariat based in Dhaka since 2014. Initially formed as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand - Economic Cooperation) in Bangkok in June 1997, the inclusion of Myanmar in December 1997 led to the revised name BIMST-EC. Subsequently, Nepal and Bhutan joined in February 2004, resulting in the organization being renamed BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) in Bangkok in July 2004.

BIMSTEC functions as a sector-driven cooperative organization, initially concentrating on six sectors: trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, and fisheries. In 2008, its scope broadened to encompass eight additional sectors: agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people-to-people contact, and climate change, reflecting the evolving priorities and challenges facing the Bay of Bengal region. The anniversary provided an important opportunity to reflect on BIMSTEC's achievements, challenges, and future direction.

Two Decades of BIMSTEC: A Retrospective Analysis of Regional Cooperation

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017, prompting a comprehensive review of its trajectory, achievements, and the challenges that lie ahead. Formed in 1997, BIMSTEC represents a crucial regional platform linking South Asia and Southeast Asia, with the Bay of Bengal serving as the geographical and strategic nexus. The organization’s evolution, from its initial focus on a limited number of sectors to its expanded scope encompassing a wide array of developmental and security concerns, reflects the changing dynamics of the region and the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of its member states.

Genesis and Evolution: From BIST-EC to BIMSTEC

The seeds of BIMSTEC were sown in Bangkok in June 1997, with the establishment of BIST-EC, comprising Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This initial grouping was driven by the shared desire to foster economic cooperation among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal. The inclusion of Myanmar in December 1997 necessitated a name change to BIMST-EC, reflecting the expanded membership. The subsequent addition of Nepal and Bhutan in February 2004 completed the current composition of BIMSTEC, leading to its final renaming as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation in July 2004.

The evolution of BIMSTEC's name and membership underscores the organization's adaptability and its commitment to inclusivity. From its inception, BIMSTEC was envisioned as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, leveraging the Bay of Bengal as a conduit for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The inclusion of landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan highlights the organization's recognition of the importance of regional connectivity and its commitment to ensuring that all member states benefit from its initiatives.

Objectives and Principles: Guiding the BIMSTEC Agenda

The primary objective of BIMSTEC is to create an enabling environment for rapid economic development, accelerate social progress, and promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the Bay of Bengal region. This overarching goal is underpinned by several key principles, including:

• Respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in internal affairs: This principle ensures that all member states, regardless of their size or economic strength, are treated as equal partners in the BIMSTEC framework.
• Mutual benefit: BIMSTEC initiatives are designed to benefit all member states, fostering a sense of shared ownership and commitment.
• Peaceful co-existence: BIMSTEC promotes peaceful relations and cooperation among its member states, contributing to regional stability and security.
• Consensus-based decision-making: Decisions within BIMSTEC are typically made through consensus, ensuring that the interests of all member states are taken into account.
• Subsidiarity: BIMSTEC focuses on areas where regional cooperation can add value, complementing rather than duplicating the efforts of individual member states.

These principles provide a solid foundation for BIMSTEC's activities and guide its efforts to promote regional cooperation and integration.

Sectoral Cooperation: A Multifaceted Approach

BIMSTEC adopts a sector-driven approach to cooperation, focusing on specific areas where regional collaboration can yield tangible benefits. Initially, BIMSTEC identified six priority sectors: trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, and fisheries. In 2008, the organization expanded its scope to include eight additional sectors: agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people-to-people contact, and climate change.

This multifaceted approach allows BIMSTEC to address a wide range of developmental and security challenges facing the Bay of Bengal region. Each sector is led by a designated member state, which assumes responsibility for coordinating activities and promoting cooperation in that area. This division of labor ensures that expertise and resources are effectively utilized and that all member states have a stake in the organization's success.

India's Role and Interests in BIMSTEC: A Strategic Imperative

India plays a pivotal role in BIMSTEC, given its geographical centrality, economic strength, and strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal region. India views BIMSTEC as a crucial platform for enhancing its economic and strategic ties with countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, promoting regional stability, and countering China's growing influence in the region.

India's interests in BIMSTEC can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Economic: India seeks to leverage BIMSTEC to promote trade, investment, and economic integration with its neighbors. The Bay of Bengal region offers significant opportunities for Indian businesses, and BIMSTEC provides a framework for reducing trade barriers, facilitating investment flows, and developing regional infrastructure.
• Strategic: India views BIMSTEC as a key component of its "Act East" policy, which aims to strengthen India's engagement with Southeast Asia. BIMSTEC provides a platform for India to project its influence in the region, promote its security interests, and counter China's growing presence.
• Security: India is concerned about security challenges in the Bay of Bengal region, including terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime. BIMSTEC provides a framework for cooperation on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and other security issues.
• Connectivity: India recognizes the importance of regional connectivity for promoting economic growth and integration. India is actively involved in several connectivity projects in the BIMSTEC region, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

India's commitment to BIMSTEC is evident in its active participation in BIMSTEC initiatives, its financial and technical assistance to other member states, and its efforts to promote the organization's agenda on the global stage.

Achievements and Challenges: A Mixed Record

Over the past two decades, BIMSTEC has achieved some notable successes in promoting regional cooperation and integration. These include:

• Establishment of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA): Although the FTA is still under negotiation, it represents a significant step towards promoting trade liberalization in the region.
• Development of regional connectivity projects: BIMSTEC has identified several priority connectivity projects, including roads, railways, and ports, which are expected to boost trade and investment flows.
• Cooperation on counter-terrorism: BIMSTEC has established a framework for cooperation on counter-terrorism, including information sharing, joint training exercises, and the development of common legal standards.
• Cooperation on disaster management: BIMSTEC has developed a regional mechanism for disaster management, which aims to improve coordination and response to natural disasters in the region.

Despite these achievements, BIMSTEC has also faced several challenges, including:

• Slow progress on implementation: Many BIMSTEC initiatives have been delayed or have not been fully implemented due to a lack of resources, political will, and institutional capacity.
• Lack of institutional capacity: The BIMSTEC Secretariat has limited resources and capacity, which has hampered its ability to effectively coordinate and support the organization's activities.
• Overlapping mandates: BIMSTEC's mandate overlaps with those of other regional organizations, such as SAARC and ASEAN, which has led to duplication of effort and a lack of focus.
• Geopolitical tensions: Tensions between member states, such as the Rohingya crisis, have complicated BIMSTEC's efforts to promote regional cooperation.

Addressing these challenges will be crucial for BIMSTEC to realize its full potential and to play a more effective role in promoting regional cooperation and integration.

The BIMSTEC Secretariat: A Hub for Regional Coordination

The BIMSTEC Secretariat, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, serves as the organization's administrative and coordinating body. Established in 2014, the Secretariat is responsible for facilitating meetings, managing projects, and disseminating information among member states.

The Secretariat's powers are primarily administrative and coordinative in nature. It lacks enforcement powers and relies on the cooperation of member states to implement its decisions. The Secretariat's limitations in terms of resources and capacity have been a constraint on its effectiveness.

Strengthening the BIMSTEC Secretariat is essential for improving the organization's efficiency and effectiveness. This could involve increasing its budget, expanding its staff, and giving it greater authority to coordinate and monitor the implementation of BIMSTEC initiatives.

Legal Frameworks and Processes: The Foundation of Cooperation

While BIMSTEC operates primarily on the basis of consensus and voluntary cooperation, it has also established some legal frameworks to underpin its activities. These include:

• The BIMSTEC Convention on Counter Terrorism: This convention provides a framework for cooperation on counter-terrorism, including information sharing, joint training exercises, and the development of common legal standards.
• The BIMSTEC Agreement on Trade in Goods: This agreement aims to reduce trade barriers and promote trade liberalization among member states.
• Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): BIMSTEC has signed numerous MoUs with member states and other organizations to promote cooperation in specific areas, such as energy, transport, and tourism.

These legal frameworks provide a foundation for cooperation within BIMSTEC, but their effectiveness depends on the willingness of member states to implement them.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Diverse Interests and Priorities

BIMSTEC involves a diverse range of stakeholders, each with their own interests and priorities. These include:

• Member states: Each member state has its own economic, strategic, and security interests in the BIMSTEC region.
• Businesses: Businesses in the BIMSTEC region stand to benefit from increased trade, investment, and economic integration.
• Civil society organizations: Civil society organizations are concerned about issues such as poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and human rights in the BIMSTEC region.
• International organizations: International organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, provide technical and financial assistance to BIMSTEC.

Understanding the perspectives of these different stakeholders is crucial for ensuring that BIMSTEC's activities are aligned with the needs and priorities of the region.

Broader Implications: Political, Economic, and Social Impacts

BIMSTEC has significant implications for the political, economic, and social landscape of the Bay of Bengal region.

• Political: BIMSTEC strengthens regional political ties among member states, providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation on issues of common concern.
• Diplomatic: BIMSTEC provides a platform for diplomatic engagement and cooperation, allowing member states to address bilateral and multilateral issues in a constructive manner.
• Security: BIMSTEC can contribute to regional security cooperation, particularly in areas like counter-terrorism, maritime security, and disaster management.
• Economic: BIMSTEC promotes trade, investment, and economic integration among member states, leading to increased economic growth and development.
• Social: BIMSTEC encourages people-to-people contact and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of regional identity and promoting understanding among different cultures.
• Technological: BIMSTEC facilitates cooperation in technology and innovation, helping member states to develop their technological capabilities.
• Environmental: BIMSTEC addresses environmental issues and climate change, promoting sustainable development and protecting the region's natural resources.
• Humanitarian: Addresses issues like poverty alleviation and public health.

These broader implications highlight the importance of BIMSTEC as a vehicle for promoting regional cooperation and development.

BIMSTEC and Other Regional Groupings: A Comparative Analysis

BIMSTEC operates in a complex regional landscape, alongside other regional groupings such as SAARC and ASEAN. Understanding the similarities and differences between these organizations is crucial for assessing BIMSTEC's unique role and potential.

• SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): SAARC comprises eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAARC's focus is primarily on South Asia, while BIMSTEC bridges South Asia and Southeast Asia. SAARC has been hampered by political tensions between India and Pakistan, which has limited its effectiveness.
• ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): ASEAN comprises ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. ASEAN is a more integrated and institutionalized regional organization than BIMSTEC. ASEAN's focus is primarily on Southeast Asia, while BIMSTEC connects South Asia and Southeast Asia.

BIMSTEC's unique position as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia gives it a distinct advantage. It can leverage the strengths of both regions to promote economic growth, security, and development. However, BIMSTEC also faces challenges in coordinating its activities with those of SAARC and ASEAN.

Connectivity Projects: Linking the Bay of Bengal Region

Regional connectivity is a key priority for BIMSTEC. Several connectivity projects are currently underway in the BIMSTEC region, including:

• The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: This project aims to connect the port of Kolkata in India with Sittwe port in Myanmar, and then through the Kaladan River to Mizoram in India. The project will provide India with an alternative route to access its northeastern states, bypassing Bangladesh.
• The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: This highway will connect Moreh in India with Mae Sot in Thailand, passing through Myanmar. The highway is expected to boost trade and tourism between the three countries.
• The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement: This agreement aims to facilitate the movement of goods and people across the borders of the four countries.

These connectivity projects are expected to have a significant impact on the economic development of the BIMSTEC region, by reducing transport costs, facilitating trade, and promoting tourism.

Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Addressing a Shared Threat

Counter-terrorism is a key area of cooperation for BIMSTEC. The region faces a number of security challenges, including terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime. BIMSTEC has established a framework for cooperation on counter-terrorism, including information sharing, joint training exercises, and the development of common legal standards.

The BIMSTEC Convention on Counter Terrorism provides a legal basis for cooperation on counter-terrorism. However, the effectiveness of this framework depends on the willingness of member states to share information and to coordinate their efforts.

Climate Change Adaptation: Building Resilience in the Bay of Bengal

Climate change is a major threat to the Bay of Bengal region. The region is vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards, including sea-level rise, cyclones, floods, and droughts. BIMSTEC has identified climate change as a priority area for cooperation and has developed a regional action plan on climate change.

The BIMSTEC action plan on climate change aims to promote adaptation and mitigation measures, to improve resilience to climate-related hazards, and to enhance cooperation on climate change research and technology.

The Rohingya Crisis: A Test for Regional Solidarity

The Rohingya crisis, which began in 2017, has posed a significant challenge to regional solidarity within BIMSTEC. The crisis has led to a massive influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, creating a humanitarian crisis and straining relations between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The Rohingya crisis has highlighted the limitations of BIMSTEC as a mechanism for resolving political disputes. While BIMSTEC can provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation, it lacks the power to enforce its decisions or to compel member states to take specific actions.

Future Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

BIMSTEC is expected to play an increasingly important role in regional cooperation and integration in the coming years. The region faces a number of challenges, including economic inequality, security threats, and climate change. However, it also has significant opportunities for growth and development.

Future developments in BIMSTEC may include:

• Enhanced connectivity: Further development of regional connectivity projects, such as roads, railways, and ports, will be crucial for promoting trade and investment.
• Deeper economic integration: Efforts to reduce trade barriers and to harmonize regulations will be essential for creating a more integrated regional economy.
• Strengthened security cooperation: Enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and disaster management will be vital for ensuring regional stability.
• Greater institutional capacity: Strengthening the BIMSTEC Secretariat and giving it greater authority will be necessary for improving the organization's efficiency and effectiveness.

Navigating Geopolitical Currents

BIMSTEC's future trajectory is intrinsically linked to the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. The rise of China, the evolving relationship between India and the United States, and the increasing importance of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal all have significant implications for BIMSTEC's role and relevance.

India's strategic interest in BIMSTEC stems, in part, from its desire to counter China's growing influence in the region. By strengthening its ties with BIMSTEC member states, India hopes to create a counterweight to China's economic and political power. The development of regional infrastructure projects, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, is also aimed at enhancing India's connectivity with Southeast Asia and reducing its dependence on Chinese infrastructure.

The United States also has a growing interest in the Bay of Bengal region, viewing it as a crucial maritime corridor and a key area for promoting its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. The US has been actively engaging with BIMSTEC member states, providing assistance on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster management. The US's support for BIMSTEC aligns with its broader strategy of strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries in the region to counter China's growing influence.

Harnessing the Blue Economy

The Bay of Bengal is a rich source of natural resources, including fisheries, minerals, and energy. BIMSTEC member states have a shared interest in harnessing these resources in a sustainable manner, promoting the concept of the "blue economy."

The blue economy encompasses a wide range of economic activities related to the oceans and coasts, including fishing, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology. BIMSTEC can play a crucial role in promoting the sustainable development of the blue economy in the Bay of Bengal region, by fostering cooperation on marine resource management, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and developing renewable energy sources.

Promoting People-to-People Connectivity

In addition to economic and security cooperation, BIMSTEC also recognizes the importance of promoting people-to-people connectivity. Cultural exchanges, educational programs, and tourism initiatives can help to foster a sense of regional identity and to promote understanding among different cultures.

BIMSTEC has launched several initiatives to promote people-to-people connectivity, including the BIMSTEC Cultural Festival and the BIMSTEC Youth Summit. These initiatives provide opportunities for people from different member states to interact, to share their experiences, and to learn from each other.

Addressing Non-Traditional Security Threats

In addition to traditional security threats, such as terrorism and piracy, BIMSTEC also faces a number of non-traditional security threats, including climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics. These threats pose a significant challenge to the region's stability and development, and require a coordinated regional response.

BIMSTEC has been actively working to address non-traditional security threats, by developing regional action plans on climate change, disaster management, and public health. These action plans aim to improve preparedness, response, and resilience to these threats.

The Imperative of Institutional Reform

For BIMSTEC to realize its full potential, it is essential to strengthen its institutional capacity. The BIMSTEC Secretariat needs to be adequately resourced and empowered to effectively coordinate and monitor the organization's activities.

Institutional reforms could include:

• Increasing the Secretariat's budget and staffing: This would allow the Secretariat to better support BIMSTEC's activities and to provide technical assistance to member states.
• Giving the Secretariat greater authority: This would enable the Secretariat to more effectively coordinate and monitor the implementation of BIMSTEC initiatives.
• Establishing a dispute resolution mechanism: This would provide a mechanism for resolving disputes between member states, which could help to prevent conflicts from escalating.
• Developing a clear and consistent legal framework: This would provide a more solid foundation for cooperation within BIMSTEC.

Conclusion

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) stands at a critical juncture. As it embarks on its third decade, the organization must confront a complex array of challenges and opportunities. From navigating geopolitical currents and harnessing the blue economy to promoting people-to-people connectivity and addressing non-traditional security threats, BIMSTEC's agenda is multifaceted and demanding. The success of BIMSTEC will depend on the commitment of its member states to deepen cooperation, strengthen the organization's institutional capacity, and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the Bay of Bengal region.