Thailand hosted the 5th BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) Meeting to discuss the cooperation mechanism of BIMSTEC at Siam@Siam Design Hotel during 13-15 September 2022.

During the meeting, Thailand presented “BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030” aiming to build a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open (PRO) BIMSTEC by 2030. The Vision sets a clear direction and priorities as well as a goal for BIMSTEC collaboration to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for the coming decade. The Meeting also recommended that Thailand's proposal be submitted to the 23rd Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) for endorsement with a view to adopting it at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

Furthermore, the Meeting has acknowledged Thailand's proposal that BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks (BNPTT) formulates short and long term policy recommendations on BIMSTEC’s development such as how to strengthen BIMSTEC; ways and means to build collective efforts to assist Member States who are facing severe challenges.

The 5th BPWC Meeting is the first physical meeting hosted by Thailand after assuming the BIMSTEC chairmanship in March 2022. The outcome of the meeting reflects a strong commitment of all Member States to drive BIMSTEC toward a more dynamic and stronger institution.