BIMSTEC leaders agree on regional connectivity

Bangladesh and six other South and South East Asian countries have resolved to explore the possibility of a motor vehicle agreement among them like the one involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, according to a document agreed by the countries during the "BIMSTEC Leaders' Retreat" during the "BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit" in Goa, India, on Sunday.

Referring to the physical connectivity among the member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral, Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) that also includes India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan, the document says, "Being convinced that the development of connectivity in various forms and manifestations is the key to promoting regional integration, we express satisfaction over the continuing efforts and initiatives to advance multi-modal physical connectivity (air, rail, roads and waterways) in the BIMSTEC region."

The document titled "BIMSTEC Leaders' Retreat 2016 Outcome Document" was made public yesterday. The leaders agreed to explore the possibility of having the motor vehicle deal because this assumes significance, as the Saarc Motor Vehicles Agreement proposed by India in the previous summit in Kathmandu has been a non-starter due to Pakistan getting cold feet over it.

They also agreed to explore ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as aquaculture, hydrography, seabed mineral resource exploration, coastal shipping, ecotourism, renewable ocean energy, disaster management, and food security to promote holistic as well as sustainable development of the region.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to an early conclusion of the Bimstec Free Trade Area negotiations and directed the Trade Negotiating Committee and Working Groups to expedite the finalisation of its constituent agreements and agreed to offer special and differential treatment for the Least Developed Countries for their integration into the regional economy.

Referring to the growing threats of climate change to people of the region, they resolved to strengthen cooperation to protect and preserve the environment and stressed the need for pursuing sustainable development and implementing the Paris Agreement at both national and regional levels.

They also reiterated strong commitment to combating  terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.