BIMSTEC: Building bridges between south and south-east Asian countries – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), created in 1997, gathers together seven south and south-east Asian countries. BIMSTEC pursues economic growth for its members through sector-driven cooperation. So far, the organisation has lacked regular impetus, holding only three summits to date.

However, the fourth summit is to be held in October 2016 in Goa (India), on the margins of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit. BIMSTEC will thus have the opportunity to enhance its visibility and boost ties with emerging powers.

For India, membership of BIMSTEC is a key element of its 'Act East' doctrine. The organisation increasingly provides a viable alternative to SAARC (the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), which is lagging behind due to strained relations between India and Pakistan. However, stronger leadership is required from New Delhi for BIMSTEC to become a tool for enhancing economic growth and connectivity among its members.

Author: Enrico D’Ambrogio