BIMSTEC must unite to tackle new and old challenges: PM Deuba

March 30, Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said it is imperative for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to stride for green, flexible, inclusive, and resilient development.

Virtually addressing the 5th BIMSTEC Summit on Wednesday, Prime Minister Deuba said the BIMSTEC member states must unite to tackle new and old challenges such as climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, poverty, and inequality facing the region.

PM Deuba said BIMSTEC had provided member countries with a platform to cooperate in areas including regional security and technology transfer, among others.

Stating that coordination among citizens, society and the market was needed for the development of the region, Prime Minister Deuba expressed confidence that the “BIMSTEC Grassroots Connectivity Project” to be passed by the summit would help in the construction of infrastructures including roads, railways, and waterways. 

The heads of state and governments of BIMSTEC member countries had virtually addressed the conference that was hosted by Sri Lanka.