On 12 - 15 March 2023, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Kolkata, India to deliver Thailand’s statement at the inagural session of the BIMSTEC Business Conclave 2023 organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs of India. The Conclave’s goal is to enchance cooperation in all areas of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

In his remarks, VFM highlighted the contributions of Thailand, as the lead country in Connectivity and BIMSTEC Chair, to enhancing regional economic cooperation through the implementation of the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity and the conclusion of the Agreement on Maritime Transport Connectivity. These frameworks will play a vital role in promoting seamless connectivity in the region and increase the flows of trade and investment among Member States, thereby leading to rapid economic growth.

Apart from that, VFM also underlined Thailand’s proposal for the establishment of the BIMSTEC Business Advisory Council to encourage more participation of the BIMSTEC private sectors. The Council is also expected to serve as a platform for the private sectors to interact with one another, with an aim to promote a more inclusive and business-oriented BIMSTEC.

In addition, Thailand was also represented at this Conclave by a number of public and private figures, including Ambassador of Thailand to India, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata; as well as delegates of the Thai Office of Commercial Affairs in New Delhi, Chulalongkorn University, Board of Trade of Thailand, Indian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Thai Startup Association. In fact, these representatives helped contribute constructively to the discussions on BIMSTEC cooperation in various areas, including public health, startups, education, gems and jewellery industry, as well as food and agro-processing industries. On this occasion, the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata also invited 7 Thai businesses to showcase their products at the event.

Recognizing the importance of the private sectors, the three-day inaugural session of the BIMSTEC Business Conclave hoped to foster regional business networks as a foundation to a more synergized, dynamic BIMSTEC in the future. Apart from the Thai delegation, other high-level BIMSTEC representatives were also present, including the Ministers of Industries from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies of Nepal, among others.