BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Secretary General, H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, addressed the 3rd Indo-Pacific Economic Conclave held on 18–19 September 2025 in Kolkata, India. He engaged in a Fireside Chat with renowned scholar Shri Prabir De. The Conclave was organized by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and brought together policymakers, business leaders and experts to deliberate on economic opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

In his address, the Secretary General stated that BIMSTEC’s agenda for expanding intra-regional trade, investment and connectivity and forging cooperation in realizing SDG contributes to the goal of enhancing security and development in Indo-Pacific.

SG underlined the growing salience of BIMSTEC for regional cooperation, encompassing South and South-East Asia. Highlighting progress in maritime, surface and digital connectivity, SG drew attention to other facets of maritime cooperation under BIMSTEC.

During the Fireside Chat, SG highlighted progress realized in various sectors including people-to-people relations, business-to-business interactions and relevance of BIMSTEC as a platform for regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific.

Speakers at the conclave, highlighted that the Indo-Pacific region accounts for more than 60 percent of global GDP, with its trade and maritime partnerships being crucial to shaping future economic trajectories. Discussions at the Conclave also covered economic growth, sustainability, clean energy transitions, and trade constraints, aiming to deliver actionable policy insights.
 

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