On 9 March 2023, Thailand as Chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) hosted the 19th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting virtually at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired the Meeting, while H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand represented the Thai delegation.

DPM/FM Don highlighted the need for BIMSTEC to work more closely together to become an effective regional player with a shared strategic vision and a leading role in promoting a safe, stable and secure Bay of Bengal. At the same time, the Chair also highlighted a need for BIMSTEC to be able to decisively and substantially contribute to the global progress in human development, green development, food and energy security, and climate change.

The Meeting discussed and approved the draft text of BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, a leader-level document proposed by Thailand to guide BIMSTEC towards a prosperous, resilient and open region by 2030. The document aims to further promote BIMSTEC as a region of peace, stability, and economic sustainability. The goals found in the Vision are also in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model.

The Meeting approved a number of agreements and important documents, including the Bangkok Vision 2030, Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC Mechanism, and Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation. These documents will go on to be later discussed at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.