The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) celebrated its 28th Anniversary on 16 June 2022. The BIMSTEC Secretariat office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, hosted the reception attended by secretaries, ambassadors and high commissioners, members of diplomatic corps, heads of international organizations, and officials of the Government of Bangladesh. Also present were members of the media, representatives of think tanks, and members of the BIMSTEC Secretariat.

Speaking at the reception, Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, said that the organization’s progress toward regional cooperation has been significant. BIMSTEC sets an institutional framework to function as an effective regional organization, while its charter provides for key sectoral mechanisms, such as the summits, senior officials meetings, and ministerial meetings, Mr. Pandey added.

Mr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, planning adviser for Bangladesh, said that BIMSTEC plays a key role in establishing lasting peace and prosperity in the Bay of Bengal region. Mr. Mahmud also praised BIMSTEC for linking South Asia and Southeast Asia.

During the BIMSTEC summit held on 4 April 2025, BIMSTEC leaders issued the Summit Declaration and adopted the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, a roadmap for developing a prosperous, resilient, and open BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC member countries comprise Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

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