Partnership between BIMSTEC Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have been closely collaborating for the socio-economic growth and development in the region. The partnership started in 2005 with the initiative to carry out the BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study (BTILS). Since then, ADB through its technical assistance (TA) programmes has been assisting in conducting studies and researches; convening visits, trainings and workshops; and in enhancing capacity of the BIMSTEC Secretariat.
In order to further strengthen partnership and achieve the targeted development objectives towards a prosperous, inclusive, resilient and sustainable BIMSTEC region, BIMSTEC Secretariat and ADB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24 February 2022 agreeing to collaborate in areas such as transport connectivity and financing; energy connectivity and trade; trade facilitation; tourism promotion; and economic corridor development among others.
Some of the major studies carried out with the support of ADB include:
a. BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study (BTILS) 2007 and its Updating and Enhancement in 2014.
b. BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity.
c. BIMSTEC Trade Facilitation Strategic Framework 2030.
d. Leveraging Thematic Circuits for BIMSTEC Tourism Development.
e. Financing Transport Connectivity in the BIMSTEC Region.
Currently, ADB is working on drafting the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Master Plan.
Related link :
BIMSTEC Secretariat and ADB sign a MoU to strengthen cooperation