Nepal focuses on socio-economic transformation at BIMSTEC ministerial-level meet

By THT Online

Published: 01:24 pm Aug 29, 2018

The 16th ministerial level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) being organised at Soaltee Crowne Plaza, in Kathmandu, on Wednesday, August 29, 2018. Photo: RSS

KATHMANDU: Addressing the 16th ministerial level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit here today, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said rationalising priority areas and concentrating on core economic areas such as connectivity, trade, tourism, energy, and agriculture were vital for regional development.

The ministerial level meeting of BIMSTEC summit kicked off in the capital this morning. Minister Gyawali, who is heading the meeting, inaugurated the event and welcomed his counterparts.

Pointing out that socio-economic transformation was possible through trade and investment, he said, connectivity could be enhanced through the medium of railway, roadway, airway and use of optical fibre. Likewise, he added that maximum utilisation of energy and technology was vital for regional growth and prosperity to bring about socio-economic transformation.

'BIMSTEC region shares history, geographical contiguity, great civilisations and has huge potential. We can collectively contribute to realising a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region,' argued the Minister.

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Minister of State for External Affairs of India VK Singh, Union Minister of International Cooperation of Myanmar Kyaw Tin, Sri Lankan State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake, Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai, and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Sonam Tshong have led the delegations from their respective countries in the meeting.

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Kathmandu

Nepal focuses on socio-economic transformation at BIMSTEC ministerial-level meet