On 25 January 2024, the Meeting of the Eminent Persons’ Group on the Future Directions of BIMSTEC (EPG) was held for the first time under the chairmanship of Thailand in Dhaka, Bangladesh to deliberate the future cooperation of an efficient, outcome-oriented BIMSTEC. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Soonthoorn Chaiyindeepum, Eminent Person from Thailand.

The Meeting discussed various issues, including the functioning of the BIMSTEC mechanisms, direction for each of the seven BIMSTEC sectors of cooperation, external relations, as well as functioning of the BIMSTEC Secretariat and BIMSTEC Centers, such as the BIMSTEC Centre on Weather and Climate, BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory, BIMSTEC Energy Centre and BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility. In this connection, the EPG will examine BIMSTEC activities in all areas of its cooperation, build upon all BIMSTEC norms, principles, values and goals as contained in the Bangkok Declaration, the BIMSTEC Charter and the Bangkok Vision 2030 as well as undertake a thorough and comprehensive review of the existing BIMSTEC institutional framework.

The Eminent Persons’ Group was formed as a result of the mandate given by BIMSTEC Leaders during the Goa Retreat in 2016 to oversee the future development of BIMSTEC. The EPG will convene at least four more times to continue their discussions and prepare the final report. Committed to their mission, the EPG agreed to deliver an ambitious and result-oriented report to the Leaders at the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit at the end of 2024, hosted by Thailand. The report will provide key recommendations and strategic directions to guide the organization's ongoing cooperation and development as well as ensure that BIMSTEC can realize the goals outlined in the Bangkok Vision 2030.

More information about BIMSTEC can be retrieved from BIMSTEC Secretariat’s website at www.bimstec.org.