The First Meeting of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Commission (BCIC) which will serve as the Governing Body of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory (BCIO) to be established in Bhutan, was held virtually, hosted by Bhutan, on 20 September 2021. The Members of the BCIC representing all the BIMSTEC Member States participated in the Meeting.

Secretary of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan,Dasho Sonam Wangyel, delivered the Opening and Welcome Remarks. The Secretary General of BIMSTEC Tenzin Lekphell, in his remarks, provided an overview of developments in the Cultural sector within the framework of BIMSTEC, from the first Ministerial Meeting of BIMSTEC Cultural Ministers in Paro, Bhutan in May 2006. He emphasized that BIMSTEC provides an opportunity to explore how regional collaboration may build on the cultural richness of South and South-East Asia to enhance and preserve the strength of the region’s cultural diversity.

At the Meeting, the Members of the BCIC discussed, negotiated and finalized the draft text of the Procedures and Rules of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Commission. The Meeting also agreed to prepare a draft Organogram of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory (BCIO) to be located in Bhutan including the Terms of References (TOR) for appointing the Director of the Observatory, Professional and General Service Staff as well as other administrative and financial matters.

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