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India Leads BIMSTEC Business Council to Boost Bay of Bengal Trade & Connectivity

The BIMSTEC Secretariat has welcomed the launch of India's new leadership of the BIMSTEC Business Council under ASSOCHAM. The strategic agenda focuses on three core pillars: Trade Facilitation, Multi-modal Connectivity, and MSME Cooperation, aligning with the Bangkok Vision 2030. Key officials emphasized the importance of business-to-business relations and new platforms like the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce to unlock the region's economic potential. The initiative aims to convert policy alignment into tangible business outcomes across the seven member nations.

Key Points: India Assumes Leadership of BIMSTEC Business Council

  • Trade Facilitation
  • Multi-modal Connectivity
  • MSME Cooperation
  • Business-to-Business Relations
  • Investment Promotion
2 min read

BIMSTEC Secretariat welcomes launch of India's leadership of BIMSTEC Business Council

India, led by ASSOCHAM, takes charge of the BIMSTEC Business Council to enhance trade, connectivity, and MSME cooperation across the Bay of Bengal region.

"BIMSTEC represents a USD 5 trillion opportunity. - Tribhuvan Darbari"

Dhaka, March 25

The BIMSTEC Secretariat has welcomed the launch by ASSOCHAM of the new chapter of India's leadership of the BIMSTEC Business Council, which marks an important step towards deepening intra-BIMSTEC trade and Investment through enhancing business-to-business relations, a release said.

The new leadership has set a strategic agenda focused on three core pillars: Trade Facilitation, Multi-modal Connectivity, and MSME Cooperation. These priorities align closely with the BIMSTEC 'Bangkok Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Bay of Bengal into a resilient, open and prosperous region.

Bangladesh, being the Lead member State for cooperation under BIMSTEC in the Trade, Investment and Development Sector, has a significant role in enhancing business-to-business exchanges and dialogues, the release said.

During the launch, BIMSTEC Secretary General, Indra Mani Pandey, noted that business-to-business relations are important for enhancing intra-BIMSTEC trade and investment.

"We are going to launch the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and a platform for investment promotion authorities. Together with the leadership of ASSOCHAM, these platforms will provide momentum for business communities coming together, leading to better development in the Bay of Bengal region."

ASSOCHAM president Nirmal K Minda highlighted the organisation's vision of advancing connectivity, encouraging MSMEs and creating new investment and innovation opportunities across member States.

Saurabh Sanyal, secretary general, Assocham, in his remarks, said that this marks not just an institutional milestone, but a lasting commitment to businesses across seven nations. "Our focus is on turning intent into action through robust industry-government collaboration."

BIMSTEC Business Council India Chair Tribhuvan Darbari said BIMSTEC represents a USD 5 trillion opportunity. "The time is ripe to unlock this potential through deeper trade integration, stronger supply chains, and seamless connectivity. The real opportunity within BIMSTEC lies in converting policy alignment into business outcomes."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Excellent news! Multi-modal connectivity is the key. Better roads, ports, and digital links between BIMSTEC countries will create so many jobs and boost local economies. Let's hope the action matches the vision this time.
R
Rohit P
A $5 trillion opportunity sounds impressive, but we've heard big numbers before. The real test is whether this will simplify customs, reduce red tape, and make it easier for a small exporter in Gujarat to sell to Thailand. "Turning intent into action" is the phrase to watch.
S
Sarah B
Good to see Bangladesh playing a significant role as the lead member in trade. Regional stability and prosperity depend on all nations working together. Hoping for tangible results from the new Chamber of Commerce platform.
V
Vikram M
This is the kind of leadership we need. Focusing on business-to-business relations is practical. When companies from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc., start collaborating more, it benefits everyone. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
While the strategic agenda looks good on paper, I sincerely hope this doesn't become another talk shop. The Bangkok Vision 2030 is ambitious. We need clear timelines and accountability mechanisms to ensure these pillars—Trade, Connectivity, MSMEs—actually get built.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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