Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) emerged in 1997 as a successor to the Bangladesh-India-Myanmar-Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation (BIMS-EC). Comprising seven nations – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – BIMSTEC aims to facilitate regional cooperation in diverse areas. In recent years, BIMSTEC has gained prominence, particularly after the SAARC summit’s disruption in 2016. The organization’s focus on practical cooperation and its geographically strategic location make it a crucial platform for regional integration and economic development, demanding a thorough evaluation of its role in multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation.
BIMSTEC: Areas of Multi-Sectoral Cooperation
BIMSTEC’s cooperation spans across several key sectors, aiming for integrated regional development.
- Connectivity: The Master Plan for Transport Connectivity adopted in 2018 focuses on improving infrastructure – roads, railways, waterways, and air linkages – to enhance regional trade and movement of people. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project is a prime example.
- Trade and Investment: BIMSTEC aims to establish a Free Trade Area (FTA) to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, boosting intra-regional trade. A Framework Agreement for the BIMSTEC FTA was signed in 2004, but progress has been slow.
- Energy: Cooperation in energy includes hydropower development (particularly involving Nepal and Bhutan), oil and gas exploration, and renewable energy initiatives. The BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection project aims to create a regional power pool.
- Water Resources: Given the shared river systems, BIMSTEC focuses on water resource management, including flood control, irrigation, and navigation.
- Tourism: Promoting regional tourism through joint marketing and infrastructure development is another key area.
- Environment and Disaster Management: BIMSTEC collaborates on addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and disaster preparedness. The establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre for Disaster Management is a significant step.
- Public Health: Cooperation in public health, including disease surveillance and control, has gained importance, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evaluating BIMSTEC’s Achievements
BIMSTEC has achieved some notable successes, albeit with limitations.
- Increased Dialogue: BIMSTEC has provided a platform for regular dialogue and interaction among member states, fostering mutual understanding and trust.
- Sector-Specific Cooperation: Progress has been made in specific sectors like disaster management and counter-terrorism, with concrete initiatives and mechanisms established.
- Strategic Importance: BIMSTEC’s strategic location and its focus on practical cooperation have attracted international attention and support.
Challenges Facing BIMSTEC
Despite its potential, BIMSTEC faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness.
- Slow Implementation: Many BIMSTEC initiatives remain stalled due to bureaucratic hurdles, lack of funding, and political disagreements. The FTA, for example, has faced significant delays.
- Limited Institutional Capacity: The BIMSTEC Secretariat lacks adequate resources and capacity to effectively coordinate and implement regional projects.
- Asymmetrical Development: Significant disparities in economic development levels among member states create challenges in achieving equitable benefits from regional cooperation.
- Geopolitical Rivalries: Underlying geopolitical tensions and competing interests among member states can impede progress.
- Connectivity Gaps: Despite the Master Plan, significant infrastructure gaps remain, hindering regional connectivity.
BIMSTEC vs. Other Regional Groupings
Comparing BIMSTEC with other regional groupings highlights its unique position.
| Feature | BIMSTEC | SAARC | ASEAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member States | 7 (Bay of Bengal Region) | 8 (South Asia) | 10 (Southeast Asia) |
| Focus | Multi-sectoral, practical cooperation | Broad range of issues, often politically sensitive | Economic integration, political-security cooperation |
| Effectiveness | Moderate, potential for growth | Limited due to political tensions | Relatively high, well-established institutions |
Conclusion
BIMSTEC holds significant potential as a platform for multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. While it has achieved some successes in fostering dialogue and sector-specific initiatives, its effectiveness is hampered by slow implementation, limited institutional capacity, and geopolitical challenges. Strengthening the BIMSTEC Secretariat, prioritizing practical projects, and addressing the concerns of all member states are crucial for realizing its full potential and promoting regional integration. The future of BIMSTEC hinges on its ability to translate its vision into concrete action and deliver tangible benefits to its member states.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.