Thai PM Presents Bangkok Vision 2030 for A Prosperous, Resilient, Open BIMSTEC

On Friday, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presided over the sixth BIMSTEC Summit and related meetings in Bangkok, where she presented the “Bangkok Vision 2030,” aiming to build a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open (PRO) BIMSTEC by 2030, The Nation reported.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional bloc connecting South and Southeast Asia. Established in 1997, its member nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—focus on trade, investment, connectivity, security and cultural exchange.

After opening the session on Friday, which marked the first in-person meeting between the nations in seven years, Paetongtarn presented "Bangkok Vision 2030," a cooperation framework designed to guide BIMSTEC members toward a prosperous, resilient and open future. The vision aims to strengthen connections and enhance the region's capacity to address global challenges in the following areas:

Enhancing prosperity

The PM highlighted BIMSTEC's economic potential, noting that the combined population of the region constitutes nearly a quarter of the world's population, with intra-BIMSTEC trade accounting for about 6%. She proposed accelerating the establishment of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a key to unlocking economic and trade potential.
Paetongtarn also emphasized the importance of the Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement, which will enhance the efficiency of maritime trade routes. Thailand’s Land Bridge project was mentioned as a critical infrastructure initiative to connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Bay of Bengal.
Thailand is committed to working with all parties to accelerate the completion of crucial international highways connecting Thailand with Myanmar and India, despite recent setbacks caused by an earthquake. The Prime Minister also stressed that peace, security and stability along these routes are vital for the success of these projects.
Furthermore, Thailand underscored the need for BIMSTEC to enhance its digital infrastructure and technological capabilities, utilizing advanced technologies like AI and digital connectivity to improve crisis management and prepare the region for both present and future challenges.

Building resilience

Global challenges such as air pollution, climate change, and pandemics highlight the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of public health systems and supply chains in the region. In response, Thailand proposed the establishment of a “BIMSTEC Tropical Medicine Excellence Center.”
The recent earthquake also underscored the need for regional cooperation in disaster management within BIMSTEC. Thailand supported India’s proposal to establish a "BIMSTEC Disaster Management Center" to improve disaster response capabilities, particularly in developing early warning systems. The Prime Minister also advocated for the second meeting of BIMSTEC experts on disaster management to enhance resilience to natural disasters.
Paetongtarn also highlighted the need to address transnational crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. She called for cooperation from member countries to implement the BIMSTEC Convention on Counter-Terrorism, Transnational Crimes and Drug Trafficking to strengthen regional security and resilience to disasters.

Establishing a business panel

The PM emphasized the role of various sectors, particularly SMEs, in the future of BIMSTEC. She proposed the establishment of the BIMSTEC Business Advisory Council to build business networks, support business growth, and enhance the region's economic resilience and competitiveness in the long term.
Paetongtarn also highlighted the importance of involving all sectors of society, including marginalized communities, women, and youth. As an example, the “BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum,” held on April 3 at ICONSIAM in Bangkok, provided a platform for young business leaders to exchange ideas and enhance their business capabilities.

Bringing peoples closer

The PM underscored efforts to strengthen people-to-people relations within BIMSTEC by promoting regional tourism, fostering public-private cooperation and developing tourism routes that connect key sites across member countries. This, she said, would enhance cultural and economic ties and promote BIMSTEC’s role in advancing peace and shared prosperity.

As the current chair of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Thailand is committed to fostering cooperation between BIMSTEC and other international forums to achieve sustainable development, peace, and stability in the region.

At the end of the meeting, the leaders adopted the 6th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration. Bangladesh was also announced as the next chair of BIMSTEC, with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister expressing confidence that the country will lead the region toward future success and prosperity.