Thailand hosts 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Driving Regional Cooperation

Thailand, as Chair of BIMSTEC, hosted the sixth summit on 4 April 2025 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Leaders from all seven BIMSTEC member countries attended. The summit, marking 20 years since Thailand first hosted, focused on the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC” (PRO BIMSTEC), emphasizing economic integration, connectivity, and disaster response.

During the meeting, BIMSTEC leaders have approved six key outcome documents to enhance regional cooperation:

- The BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, the first-ever regional vision outlining a strategic plan to build a PRO BIMSTEC by 2030. The vision focuses on enhancing economic growth, connectivity, and security.

- The sixth BIMSTEC Summit Declaration, reaffirming commitment to regional integration.

- The Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC Mechanisms, providing a structured and efficient framework for BIMSTEC operations.

- The Reports of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group, offering key recommendations for the future direction of BIMSTEC.

- The Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, strengthening maritime connectivity between South and Southeast Asia, improving trade, reducing costs, and enhancing the movement of goods and people.

- BIMSTEC Leader’s Joint Statement on the Impact of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, reflecting firm collaboration in disaster management and strengthening regional disaster response.

The outcomes of the summit will benefit the Thai people by reducing shipping costs, improving trade efficiency, boosting tourism, and creating greater economic opportunities.

In addition to the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn also welcomed official visits from the following leaders:

- Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli of Nepal on 2 April 2025 – The two leaders discussed various areas of cooperation, including trade, tourism, and human resource development. Eight agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on 3–4 April 2025 – Both leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with a focus on trade, defense, connectivity, and cultural exchange. Several important agreements and MoUs were also exchanged.

The Thai Prime Minister congratulated the BIMSTEC member states on the successful summit and expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s leadership as the next BIMSTEC Chair.