The foreign affairs experts and former diplomats have said one of the major focuses of the BIMSTEC could be the reduction of climate change effects. During a discussion organized at Foreign Ministry on August 22, former ambassadors and diplomats also argued that time has come to link all members of the BIMSTEC through air, land and sea routes, which, they said, was essen­tial for trade promotion.

 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said the major agenda of the forthcoming fourth BIMSTEC summit would be the establishment of BIMSTEC development fund for the holistic development of member states, formulation of charter, and the schemes to steer the member states towards peace, prosperity and sustainability along with the elimination of poverty.

 

According to him, Nepal, as the BIM­STEC Chair and the country hosting the event, has equally prioritized the finalization of the draft of the Kathman­du Declaration, making the organiza­tion effective and result-oriented and expanding the areas of cooperation. The 14 areas of cooperation of BIMSTEC could be cut down and concentrated on poverty alleviation, the minister added.

 

BIMSTEC was established 22 years ago and currently has Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand as its members.

 

All seven member states have confirmed their participation in what will be the fourth BIMSTEC summit, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Bidya Devi Bhandari will meet leaders of BIMSTEC mem­ber states and host a luncheon in their honor on August 30. PM Oli will host a dinner for them on the same eve­ning. On August 31, the leaders will witness the signing of the legal instru­ment of BIMSTEC and consider the draft Kathmandu Declaration