Can Bangkok Summit revamp BIMSTEC?

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has long been regarded as a promising regional organisation, bringing together seven nations-Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan-around the Bay of Bengal. Despite its potential, BIMSTEC has often been criticised for its slow progress and lack of tangible outcomes.

As leaders gather in Bangkok for the latest summit in the first week of April, the question on everyone's mind is whether this meeting can finally breathe new life into the organisation and transform it into a dynamic force for regional cooperation.

Against the backdrop of the reshaping of the geopolitical dynamics following the assumption of power by Donald Trump, the Summit is under spotlights of global foreign policy watchers.

BIMSTEC was established in 1997 with the aim of fostering economic and technical cooperation among its member states. The region it encompasses is home to over 1.7 billion people, representing a combined GDP of nearly $4 trillion. The Bay of Bengal itself is a critical maritime zone, connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia and serving as a vital trade route. The potential for collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, energy, transportation, and counter-terrorism is immense.

However, despite its strategic importance and economic potential, BIMSTEC has struggled to achieve significant milestones. Unlike other regional organisations such as ASEAN or SAARC, BIMSTEC has often been overshadowed by bilateral disputes, lack of political will, and bureaucratic inertia. The Bangkok Summit presents a unique opportunity to address these challenges and set a new course for the organisation.

For the Bangkok Summit to succeed in revamping BIMSTEC, it must focus on several key areas.

One of the primary goals of BIMSTEC is to enhance economic cooperation among its member states. However, intra-regional trade remains disappointingly low, accounting for less than 5 per cent of the total trade of member countries. The Bangkok Summit should prioritise the finalisation of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been in the works for over two decades. The FTA would reduce tariffs, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and create a more conducive environment for trade and investment.

Additionally, the summit should explore the possibility of establishing a BIMSTEC Development Fund to finance infrastructure projects and promote connectivity within the region. Improved infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports, would facilitate the movement of goods and people, boosting economic growth and integration.

Connectivity is a cornerstone of regional cooperation, and BIMSTEC has identified it as a priority area. The Bangkok Summit should focus on advancing the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, which aims to develop a seamless transport network across the region. This includes the development of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement.

Moreover, the summit should emphasise the importance of digital connectivity. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for robust digital infrastructure to support e-commerce, telemedicine, and online education. BIMSTEC member states should collaborate to expand broadband access, promote digital literacy, and harmonise regulations to facilitate cross-border data flows.

The Bay of Bengal region is rich in energy resources, including natural gas, hydropower, and renewable energy. However, energy cooperation among BIMSTEC member states has been limited. The Bangkok Summit should prioritise the establishment of a regional energy grid that would allow for the efficient transmission of electricity across borders. This would not only enhance energy security but also promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, the summit should explore the potential for joint ventures in oil and gas exploration, as well as the development of cross-border pipelines. Such initiatives would reduce dependence on external energy suppliers and create new opportunities for economic growth.

Security is a critical concern for the BIMSTEC region, which faces a range of threats, including terrorism, transnational crime, and natural disasters. The Bangkok Summit should focus on strengthening regional mechanisms for counter-terrorism and intelligence-sharing. BIMSTEC member states should also collaborate on disaster risk reduction and management, given the region's vulnerability to cyclones, floods, and earthquakes.

In addition, the summit should address the issue of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal. Piracy, illegal fishing, and human trafficking are significant challenges that require a coordinated response. BIMSTEC should work towards establishing a regional maritime security framework that would enhance surveillance, information-sharing, and joint patrols.

While economic and security cooperation are essential, the success of BIMSTEC ultimately depends on the strength of its people-to-people ties. The Bangkok Summit should prioritise initiatives that promote cultural exchange, tourism, and educational collaboration. Establishing a BIMSTEC Cultural Festival, for example, would provide an opportunity for member states to showcase their traditions, art, and cuisine.

Moreover, the summit should focus on enhancing educational exchanges and research collaboration. Establishing a BIMSTEC University Network would facilitate student and faculty mobility, joint research projects, and the sharing of best practices in higher education.

The success of the Bangkok Summit will depend largely on the commitment and political will of its member states. BIMSTEC has often been hampered by a lack of leadership and a tendency to prioritise bilateral relations over multilateral cooperation. The summit provides an opportunity for leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the organisation by setting clear goals, timelines, and accountability mechanisms.

India, as the largest economy in the region, has a particularly important role to play. New Delhi has often been criticised for its inconsistent engagement with BIMSTEC, focusing more on other regional forums such as SAARC and the Quad. The Bangkok Summit is an opportunity for India to reaffirm its commitment to BIMSTEC and take a leadership role in driving its agenda.

Similarly, Thailand, as the host of the summit, has a responsibility to ensure that the meeting delivers concrete outcomes. Bangkok should use its diplomatic influence to bridge differences among member states and build consensus on key issues.

The Bangkok Summit represents a critical juncture for BIMSTEC. The organisation has the potential to become a powerful force for regional cooperation, but only if its member states are willing to take bold and decisive action. By focusing on economic integration, connectivity, energy cooperation, security, and people-to-people ties, the summit can lay the foundation for a revitalised BIMSTEC.

However, success will require more than just lofty declarations and well-crafted documents. It will require a genuine commitment to multilateralism, a willingness to overcome bilateral disputes, and a focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people of the region. The question is not whether BIMSTEC can be revamped, but whether its member states have the vision and determination to make it happen. The world will be watching as the leaders gather in Bangkok, hoping that this time, BIMSTEC will finally live up to its promise.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com