Bangladesh has called on BIMSTEC member states to fully cooperate in finalising six crucial trade agreements under the regional Framework Agreement, stressing the importance of an integrated Free Trade Area (FTA) for collective economic advancement.
Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin made the appeal while leading a five-member Bangladeshi delegation at the 25th session of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), which began on Wednesday (2 April) in Bangkok, ahead of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on 4 April 2025.
In his address, Jashim Uddin highlighted progress in "Trade, Investment, and Development, including Blue Economy"—a sector where Bangladesh serves as the Lead Country. He urged regional partners to expedite agreements on trade in goods, Rules of Origin, Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters, Dispute Settlement Procedures, Trade Facilitation, Investment, and Trade in Services.
Emphasising the need for a BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA), he said its establishment was essential for regional economic progress.
The meeting also reviewed reports from previous sessions, including the findings of the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on the organisation’s future direction.
Discussions covered BIMSTEC's specialised centres, including the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate and the proposed Centre of Excellence on Tropical Medicine.
Senior officials finalised the draft Provisional Agenda and draft Report of the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for Thursday (3 April). Additionally, they completed drafts of the provisional agenda and declaration for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
Bangladesh is set to host the 26th session of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting in Dhaka.
BIMSTEC comprises seven nations in the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
