On 16 – 19 July 2024, H.E. Mr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, Eminent Person from Thailand, chaired the Fifth Meeting of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC to continue the work, building upon the progress made at the last Meeting in June 2024.

The meeting extensively deliberated on the draft Report of the EPG, which will serve as a key guiding document for the advancement of BIMSTEC towards the future. The report will provide a strategic roadmap for BIMSTEC to realise its goal in addressing the current challenges and achieve regional integration, sustainable development and security of the Bay of Bengal region.

The EPG will hold its final meeting on 11 August 2024 to conclude the report and submit to the BIMSEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting for consideration before further transmit to the Leaders at a Summit to be held on 4th September 2024 in Bangkok.