Bimstec Secretariat set to start its journey Saturday

The Secretariat of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) is going to start its formal functioning Saturday which is expected to enhance Bangladesh’s image among the international community and deepen mutual understanding and cooperation with Bimstec member states.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally inaugurate the Bimstec Secretariat in the morning, according to a news agency.
Cabinet members, secretaries, diplomats from Bimstec member states, including heads of diplomatic corps and international organisations and Bimstec Secretary General Sumith Nakandala, will attend the inaugural session.
 The Prime Minister recently said the activities of the Bimstec should be time-bound and result-oriented ones to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people of the region.
She also said the aim of the regional forum should be to alleviate poverty as the largest number of poor people is living in this part of the world.
 Bimstec secretariat, located in the city’s Gulshan-2 area, is the first headquarters of any inter-governmental organisation in Bangladesh and the government considers the establishment of its secretariat here as its great ‘diplomatic achievement’.
 The Prime Minister will also unveil a commemorative stamp on the occasion. A supplement will be published in local English and Bengali dailies containing the messages from the Heads of State/Government of the Bimstec member states.
 Bimstec was established on June 6, 1997 in Bangkok and it started its journey with only four participating members and six areas of cooperation.
 Presently, it has seven member states - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand - and 14 areas of cooperation.