BIMSTEC Secretary General Engages with ADB in Manila
During his visit to Manila from November 6 to 7, the Secretary General of BIMSTEC, Indra Mani Pandey, met with key officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The primary focus of these discussions was to strengthen the existing partnership between BIMSTEC and ADB, as well as explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
In a meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda, Indra Mani Pandey highlighted the long-standing cooperation between BIMSTEC and ADB. He expressed appreciation for the support provided by ADB in various initiatives, including the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Master Plan, and the BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study. Additionally, he acknowledged the contribution of ADB in sectoral capacity-building programs.
President Kanda reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with BIMSTEC. He emphasized the importance of working together to identify additional avenues for expanding cooperation in the future. He also noted the significance of partnerships with regional organizations like BIMSTEC in promoting development across the region.
Discussions with ADB Senior Management
Indra Mani Pandey also met with Yingming Yang, Vice President (South, Central and West Asia) of ADB, and Ms. Fatima Yasmin, Vice President for Sectors and Themes. These meetings focused on ongoing cooperation within their respective regions and sectors. Both vice presidents expressed their commitment to enhancing collaboration under BIMSTEC in areas of shared interest.
They emphasized the alignment of agendas between BIMSTEC and ADB, highlighting the potential for joint efforts in achieving common goals. Senior officials from BIMSTEC, including the Director General and Deputy Director General of the concerned regions and sectors, were present during the discussions.
Expanding Technical Assistance and Collaboration
During the meetings, Indra Mani Pandey stressed the need to scale up technical assistance grants and consider project-based collaboration. He underscored that the collaboration between BIMSTEC and ADB is essential in advancing sustainable development, resilience, and shared prosperity in the region.
This emphasis on technical assistance and project-based cooperation reflects a strategic approach to ensure that both organizations can effectively address the developmental challenges faced by member states.
Additional Engagement with Philippine Officials
While in Manila, the Secretary General also paid a courtesy call on Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Foreign Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines. During this meeting, he briefed her on the state of regional cooperation under BIMSTEC and discussed ongoing engagements and future avenues of cooperation between BIMSTEC and ASEAN.
The discussions were particularly relevant as the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. This engagement highlights the growing importance of regional partnerships in shaping future development strategies.
Overview of BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC, which stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, comprises seven countries located in the Bay of Bengal region. These include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The organization aims to promote economic and technical cooperation among its member states, with a focus on sustainable development and regional integration.