KATHMANDU:- Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as a dynamic platform for regional cooperation that reflects the region’s diversity, vitality, and shared potential.

In a message today on the occasion of the 29th Anniversary of BIMSTEC, PM Shah underscored the importance of enhancing connectivity in transport, trade and digital networks to foster deeper integration of economies.

Emphasising that BIMSTEC’s enduring strength lies in its people, he called for greater efforts to promote tourism, create opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs, and build resilience against climate change and natural disasters, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to working closely with Member States to build a connected, resilient, and prosperous BIMSTEC region. In a separate message, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal commended the steady progress BIMSTEC has made since its establishment in 1997 and highlighted the significance of the BIMSTEC Charter in strengthening regional cooperation.

Khanal emphasised the need to consolidate achievements, strengthen partnerships, and enhance implementation efficiency.

Reaffirming commitment to BIMSTEC, the Foreign Minister shared Nepal’s readiness, as the Lead Country for the People-to-People Contact sector, to promote tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper people-to-people ties across the region.