Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC:
- It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025.
- It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999.
- Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.
- In BIMSTEC, the subsector of ‘tourism’ is being led by India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- I and II
- II and III
- I and IV
- I only
Explanation
Only statement I is correct
- Recently, with the coming into force of the charter, which was adopted in the 5th summit of the BIMSTEC leaders, the grouping has acquired a ‘legal personality’ status.
- Established: In 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration to promote regional cooperation.
- Geographic Focus: Connects South and Southeast Asian nations around the Bay of Bengal.
- Members: 7 countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- Founding Members: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- Core Objective: Foster economic cooperation, social progress, and collaboration in science, technology, and development across the region.
- In line with the organization’s development into a formal structure, the leaders of the member countries have divided the group’s work into Seven Priority Areas/Pillar.
|
7 Priority Areas/Pillars (each led by 1 Member country) |
|
| Bangladesh | Trade, Investment and Development
Sub-sectors: Blue Economy |
| Bhutan | Environment & Climate Change
Sub-sectors: Mountain Economy |
| India |
Security Sub-sectors: Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, Disaster Management, Energy |
| Myanmar | Agriculture and Food Security
Sub-sectors: Agriculture, Fisheries & Livestock |
| Nepal | People-to-People Contact
Sub-sectors: Culture, Tourism, Poverty Alleviation, People-to-People Contact (forums of think tanks, media etc.) |
| Sri Lanka | Science, Technology & Innovation
Sub-sectors: Technology, Health, Human Resource Development |
| Thailand | Connectivity |
