Dr. Yunus to Attend BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok - A Strategic Move in Regional Diplomacy

Dr. Yunus to Attend BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok – A Strategic Move in Regional Diplomacy. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, is set to attend the sixth BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit, scheduled to take place on September 4, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

This marks Dr. Yunus’s first official international engagement since assuming the role of Chief Adviser on August 8, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst nationwide student protests.

Schedule and Significance of the Visit

Dr. Yunus will depart for Bangkok on September 3 and is expected to return to Bangladesh on September 5. This visit is particularly significant as it underscores the importance of Bangladesh’s role in regional diplomacy and multilateral cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework.

What is the BIMSTEC?

BIMSTEC, established on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration, is a unique international organization that bridges South Asia and Southeast Asia. It comprises seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Together, these nations represent 22% of the world’s population and boast a combined GDP of approximately $4.5 trillion.

The organization’s primary goal is to foster cooperation across multiple sectors, ranging from trade and investment to security and environmental sustainability. Each member state leads a specific sector, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the region:

Bangladesh: Trade, investment, development, and the blue economy.
Bhutan: Environment, climate change, and the mountain economy.
India: Security, energy, and disaster management.
Myanmar: Agriculture, food security, fisheries, and livestock.
Nepal: People-to-people contact and poverty alleviation.
Sri Lanka: Science, technology, innovation, health, and human resource development.
Thailand: Connectivity.

BIMSTEC’s Evolution and Bangladesh’s Role

The BIMSTEC Secretariat, established in Dhaka in 2014 following the Third BIMSTEC Summit, has played a crucial role in institutionalizing and enhancing cooperation among member states. As the next chair of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh is poised to further strengthen its leadership and commitment to the organization’s goals.

Dr. Yunus’s participation in the summit is anticipated to reinforce Bangladesh’s dedication to regional integration and collaboration. The summit is also expected to produce significant outcomes, including the adoption of the “Bangkok Vision 2030,” a forward-looking document that will guide BIMSTEC’s future initiatives.

Key Agreements and Future Prospects

One of the pivotal agreements expected to be signed at the summit is the “Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation,” which aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade among member states.

This agreement aligns with BIMSTEC’s broader objectives of fostering economic growth, security, and sustainable development in the region.

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, the Secretary-General of BIMSTEC, has expressed optimism about the organization’s future, emphasizing the collective commitment of member states to making BIMSTEC a success story.

The summit is not only a platform for discussing pressing regional issues but also an opportunity to chart a course for a more integrated and prosperous Bay of Bengal region.

Conclusion

Dr. Yunus’s upcoming visit to Bangkok for the BIMSTEC summit is a critical step in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, highlighting its active role in regional cooperation and its vision for a more connected and collaborative South and Southeast Asia.

As Bangladesh prepares to assume the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, the outcomes of this summit will likely shape the future trajectory of the organization and its member states.