A string of proposals to reform the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) will be placed in the upcoming Bangkok summit later this year.
Secretary general Indra Mani Pandey of the economic bloc on Monday while talking to the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Bimstec secretariat in Dhaka.
He cited that the platform could play a crucial role in the emancipation of member countries.
"For our region, this organisation has a unique role to play. It's a significant organisation as it brings together important countries of the world, including those in our neighbourhood," said Mr Pandey.
Citing an example, he says the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has a crucial relationship with all the member states of Bimstec in this region.
"If they reach out to all the seven countries through one platform, it will be easier for them to engage in their operations for development cooperation."
"So, that is where the unique role of a regional organisation like Bimstec comes into play when other global organisations are looking at engaging in cooperation in our region," he pointed out.
"I believe as secretary general that Bimstec has a very bright future because what I have seen that all our member states are truly committed to making sure that Bimstec becomes a success story…"
Although the members have warm bilateral relations, the necessity of regional cooperation can't be overlooked as they complement each other, according to Mr Pandey.
"There is an Eminent Persons group, which has been set up by our leaders to look at the institutional reforms," he said.
The Eminent Persons group will be placed in the summit.
If the recommendations are adopted and executed accordingly, it will be a reformed as well as revitalised organisation, ready to play the role that people expect to play.
"Ultimately, the value of any organisation can only be measured in terms of the success it will have in changing the lives of the people."
Cooperation on technical and economic aspects is in focus to ensure success in changing the lives of people living in the region, according to Mr Pandey.
As to whether the group aims to resolve the Rohingya crisis, he says the Bimstec, as per its charter, has no mandate for the resolution of bilateral disputes.
The summit will be held in Bangkok as Thailand is the current chair of the group.
"I think one of the significant outcomes of this summit will be the adoption of Bangkok Vision 2030 and, for the first time, it will be outlined in a document, which will be a significant achievement."
He hopes that the agreement on maritime transport cooperation will be signed and adapted by the summit.
"It'll be a significant milestone as when we speak about the Ganges, we are looking at the maritime domain, and maritime transport can play a very important role in the development of our members."
Several memoranda of understanding to forge external partnership of the states with some international organisations might also be signed, he alluded.
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