CONNECTIVITY is of great importance as a crucial cooperation arena in building a prosperous BIMSTEC. By enhancing and strengthening connectivity, it will be possible to promote regional trade, investment, and tourism development. Therefore, efforts must be accelerated in implementing the Transport Master Plan of BIMSTEC in order to enhance regional connectivity.

In the BIMSTEC transport plan, the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project will significantly enhance regional con­nectivity. Progress was made through the signing of an agreement on maritime transportation, trade, and investment in port infra­structure. Energy cooperation is another key pillar for regional prosperity. Prioritizing the implementation of the BIMSTEC power grid interconnection master plan will help ensure the ef­ficient sharing and utilization of energy resources, as well as reduce overall costs.

The Bay of Bengal Initia­tive for Multi-Sectoral Techni­cal and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an internation­al organization composed of seven member countries: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Thailand. At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, discussions focused on promoting multi-sectoral cooperation in economic and technological fields. Although Myanmar participated in the summit, the Myanmar delega­tion also prioritized meetings with Heads of government at­tending the event to discuss the country’s current situation caused by recent earthquakes. They emphasized the impor­tance of effective international cooperation in implementing relief and recovery efforts in Myanmar.

The BIMSTEC region continues to face climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and other unforeseen challenges. This summit presents an opportunity to implement plans for crisis management, disaster preparedness, and long-term environmen­tal sustainability. All countries are seeing growing interest from both regional and international organizations to collaborate with BIMSTEC. In order to successfully implement BIMSTEC’s initia­tives, it is important to maintain strong relationships with existing partners and to engage with new and promising partnerships to access the necessary expertise and resources.

Leaders from BIMSTEC member countries exchanged views and held discussions on enhancing collaboration and cooperation among the member states. The Bangkok Declaration, which established the BIMSTEC group, clearly outlines its visions and objectives. In line with these goals and objectives, annual meetings are being held to implement and realize these aims. BIMSTEC member countries initiate cooperation plans in trade, investment, industry, technology, human resource development, tourism, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and transportation for rapid development.

Accordingly, at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, cooperation among member countries was further strengthened. Myanmar reaffirmed its strong commitment to working closely with member countries in order to build a future that is not only peaceful, resilient, and inclusive for all, but also just, equitable, and sustainably enduring.