Experts want BIMSTEC to focus on reducing climate change effects

Kathmandu / Aug 22: The foreign affairs experts and former diplomats have said one of the major focuses of the BIMSTEC could be the reduction of climate change effects.

During a discussion organized at Foreign Ministry today, former ambassadors and diplomats argued that time has come to link all members of the BIMSTEC through air, land and sea routes. It was essential for the promotion of trade.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said major agenda of the forthcoming fourth BIMSTEC summit would be the establishment of BIMSTEC development fund for the holistic development of the member states, formulation of charter, and the schemes to steer the member states towards peace, prosperity and sustainability with the elimination of poverty.

According to him, Nepal as the BIMSTEC Chair and the country hosting the event, has equally prioritized the finalization of the draft of the Kathmandu Declaration, making the organization effective and result oriented and expanding the areas of cooperation.

The 14 areas of cooperation of the BIMSTEC stated previously could be lessened and concentrated on alleviation of poverty, the Minister added.

BIMSTEC was established 22 years back consisting of the countries in the south and south east Asia- Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. RSS