Together, Let's Build a BIMSTEC That Delivers: PM Oli

Prosperity, resilience, openness

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the three pillars of the BIMSTEC Summit—Prosperity, Resilience and Openness—not only align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, but also resonate deeply with Nepal's national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.    
 

Addressing the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday, PM Oli stressed that BIMSTEC must not only navigate the changing tides but also seize the opportunity to reinvigorate regional cooperation.    
 

"I believe that the theme of the Summit--Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC, provides us with that compass--a compass that is pro-people, pro-prosperity and pro-welfare," he argued.    
 

"Building an integrated Bay of Bengal region is a must to unlock our potential and capitalize on the complementarities we possess. Additionally, recognizing that not all economies in our region are equal, we must extend preferential support to member-states with special needs to enable them to share common prosperity."      
 

Climate change is posing an existential threat to humanity as a whole, he said: Stakes are even higher for Nepal.     
 

At a time when the world is rife with compounding challenges—economic disparities, environmental vulnerabilities, and political uncertainties, at a time when the global order is being re-defined, BIMSTEC must not only navigate the changing tides but also seize the opportunity to reinvigorate regional cooperation, he said.
    
The BIMSTEC exemplifies a unique collaboration between two dynamic regions--South Asia and Southeast Asia--he said: As a unique bridge, it embodies collective aspirations of over 1.8 billion people striving for a Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC which is a befitting theme for this historic Summit.    
 

The BIMSTEC region is richly endowed with natural resources, cultural diversity, and a youthful workforce, he noted: From the majestic Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal's vibrant coastlines, we are blessed with abundant potential.    
 

”Given the immense potential of the region, prosperity is not a mere wishful thinking; it is an achievable destiny.”    
 

”But to arrive at destiny, we must harness it strategically; we must unlock it sustainably. Investing in human capital is non-negotiable. The fourth BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in education, skills development, and capacity-building.”    
 

Regional connectivity
Regional connectivity is an important pillar in our quest for prosperity, he said: Connectivity of markets as well as minds, connectivity of infrastructures as well as ideas, connectivity of culture as well as cyber is yet another backbone of growth.    
 

He said: Our region is among the least integrated globally, barring natural interconnections among our societies, economies and nations. This must change.    
So, building an integrated Bay of Bengal region is a must to unlock our potential and capitalize on the complementarities we possess, PM Oli noted.    

Additionally, recognizing that not all economies in our region are equal, we must extend preferential support to member-states with special needs to enable them to share common prosperity. 
The BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, which we are adopting today, serves as a blueprint for our shared future, he said: It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no BIMSTEC nation is left behind.    

“When the world order is in a flux, our strength lies in unity, and our future shines in solidarity and deeper collaboration.    
We are in a race against time. The future belongs to those who act with urgency and vision.”

The wisdom of the Buddha    

Toward the end of his speech, PM Oli quoted the wise words of the enlightened son of Nepal, Gautam Buddha: “However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?”

Wrapping up, Oli appealed all delegates to act on their words to build a BIMSTEC that delivers—for our people, and for generations to come— and to transform the region into a dynamic hub of prosperity, resilience and openness.