BIMSTEC meet to grapple with regional connectivity

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: The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand accounts for 21% of the world population. Despite this, intra-BIMSTEC trade is fairly low. The reasons are primarily that of connectivity, transport and infrastructure and these are some of the issues that the member countries need to focus on during the forthcoming meeting in New Delhi.

In fact, recognising that different modes of transport linkages are imperative for achieving connectivity amongst member countries to promote the movement of goods and people, the member countries are now awaiting the ADB study on BIMSTEC transport infrastructure and logistics.

In this context, for the ADB to carry out its study, it worked closely with governments of BIMSTEC member countries. “We noted the various activities initiated in this sector, including capacity building through training programmes. We emphasised the need for more vigorous efforts for cooperation in the area of infrastructure including communication and port linkages,” said senior officers in the government.

The BIMSTEC region agreed on the transport and logistics policy framework and strategies during their second technical advisory committee meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand in November last. Connectivity, particularly multi-modal connectivity, is a big issue within BIMSTEC as the trade amongst the countries is not going up.

Says the ambassador of India, BIMSTEC working group chair, Latha Reddy, “Issues such as greater connectivity, energy security, increased trade and investment, agriculture, tourism, environment, technology cooperation and security are all among the focus areas of active ongoing cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework. Many of these issues are interlinked and progress in all these areas would directly benefit the peoples of all our countries. It is a win-win situation. Serious beginnings have been made and we look forward to a rapid realisation of our goals.”

The transport and logistics policy framework and strategies aim to address the transport bottlenecks and constraints and pursue priority initiatives on intra-BIMSTEC road development, railway system harmonisation and connectivity, development of BIMSTEC gateway ports and airports, formulation of transport agreements and facilitation measures, and implementation of the logistics action plan. The BIMSTEC representatives have further proposed to carry out the transport cooperation programme for greater physical connectivity and efficient transport and trade flows within 2008–2020, with priority projects and activities initiated from 2008 to 2014.