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 BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) 

1. Formation and Background

  • Established: 6 June 1997, in Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Members: Seven member countries from South Asia and Southeast Asia: 
    • Bangladesh
    • India
    • Myanmar
    • Sri Lanka
    • Thailand
    • Nepal
    • Bhutan
  • Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Objective: To promote regional cooperation and economic integration among the countries around the Bay of Bengal.

2. Core Areas of Cooperation

BIMSTEC focuses on multiple sectors, including:

  • Trade and Investment
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Energy
  • Transport and Communication
  • Environment and Disaster Management
  • Agriculture
  • Fisheries
  • Tourism
  • Public Health
  • Poverty Alleviation
  • Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime

The cooperation is based on a multi-sectoral approach to ensure comprehensive development in the region.

3. BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA)

  • Efforts are ongoing to establish a Free Trade Area (FTA) among the member states to boost trade and investment.
  • The trade agreements focus on reducing trade barriers and improving economic collaboration within the Bay of Bengal region.

4. Organizational Structure

  • Summit: Heads of state/government meet every 2-3 years.
  • Secretary-General: The BIMSTEC Secretary-General heads the Secretariat, located in Dhaka.
  • BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM): A forum for coordination and decision-making at the official level.

5. Significant Agreements/Protocols

  • BIMSTEC Convention on Combating International Terrorism: Aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation.
  • BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Connectivity Master Plan: Designed to enhance regional connectivity.
  • BIMSTEC Energy Cooperation: Strengthening regional energy security through cooperation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sharing of best practices.

6. Summit Meetings

  • BIMSTEC Summits are held every 2-3 years, where leaders review the progress of cooperation.
  • The most recent summit was the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in 2022, which was held virtually, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity, and the COVID-19 response.

7. Importance of BIMSTEC

  • Geostrategic Importance: The region holds significant geostrategic importance, linking South Asia and Southeast Asia.
  • Economic Potential: BIMSTEC’s combined population is over 1.6 billion, with significant untapped economic potential.
  • Connectivity: The Bay of Bengal is a vital trade route. Improving connectivity can enhance trade within the region and with other parts of the world.
  • Security Cooperation: BIMSTEC serves as a platform for regional security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and disaster management.

8. Challenges

  • Political Tensions: Differences between member countries may sometimes impede cooperation.
  • Implementation of Agreements: Slow progress in some sectors, such as trade liberalization and infrastructure development.
  • Economic Disparities: The region comprises both developed and least developed countries, which can lead to unequal development and cooperation.

9. Significance in the Context of India

  • India’s Strategic Role: As a major player, India has been instrumental in driving BIMSTEC’s agenda, particularly in the fields of connectivity, trade, and counter-terrorism.
  • Act East Policy: BIMSTEC complements India’s Act East Policy, enhancing ties with Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Neighborhood First Policy: BIMSTEC is a part of India’s larger Neighborhood First policy, promoting regional stability, security, and prosperity.

10. BIMSTEC and Other Regional Organizations

  • Comparison with SAARC: BIMSTEC is often seen as a more dynamic and effective alternative to SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), as it includes both South Asian and Southeast Asian countries and avoids the political stalemate often seen in SAARC.
  • BIMSTEC vs ASEAN: While ASEAN focuses on Southeast Asia, BIMSTEC’s broader membership allows for greater geographical and cultural diversity, bridging the gap between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

11. Future Prospects

  • Expansion of Membership: There have been discussions about expanding BIMSTEC to include other countries in the Bay of Bengal region or the Indian Ocean area.
  • Enhanced Connectivity Projects: Improved physical infrastructure, such as road, rail, and ports, will further promote regional integration.
  • Collaborative Response to Global Challenges: Cooperation on issues such as climate change, pandemic management, and terrorism will be key to the future of BIMSTEC.

12. Recent Developments

  • Increased Focus on Connectivity: The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity is one of the key projects to enhance trade and transport routes.
  • Strengthening of Security Cooperation: Counter-terrorism initiatives and maritime security have become increasingly important in recent meetings.
  • Green Growth Initiatives: There has been a push towards sustainable development, including cooperation on renewable energy and environmental issues.

Key Points to Remember for Competitive Exams:

  • BIMSTEC’s Founding Members: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan.
  • Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Establishment Date: 6 June 1997.
  • Main Focus Areas: Connectivity, trade, energy, environment, security.
  • Significance for India: Supports India’s “Act East” and “Neighborhood First” policies.
  • Comparison with SAARC: BIMSTEC includes both South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, overcoming SAARC’s limitations.

Magme’s QUECAFE

One-liners about BIMSTEC:

  1. BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, founded in 1997.
  2. BIMSTEC includes 7 member countries: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal.
  3. The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
  4. The primary focus of BIMSTEC is to promote regional cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, and disaster management.
  5. The first BIMSTEC Summit was held in 1997 in New Delhi, India.
  6. The official language of BIMSTEC is English.
  7. BIMSTEC facilitates collaboration among countries around the Bay of Bengal to foster economic growth and regional stability.
  8. The 4th BIMSTEC Summit was held in 2018 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
  9. BIMSTEC member countries represent South Asia and Southeast Asia, covering a region of over 1.5 billion people.
  10. BIMSTEC aims to enhance cooperation in sectors such as climate change, trade, technology, and energy.

 

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS ON BIMSTEC

  1. What does BIMSTEC stand for?
    1. A) Bay of India and Southeast Asian Cooperation
    2. B) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
    3. C) Bay of Bengal International Trade and Economic Cooperation
    4. D) Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation

Answer: B) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation

  1. When was BIMSTEC established?
    1. A) 1996
    2. B) 1997
    3. C) 2000
    4. D) 2004

Answer: B) 1997

  1. Which country is not a member of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Bhutan
    2. B) Nepal
    3. C) Pakistan
    4. D) Myanmar

Answer: C) Pakistan

  1. How many member countries are there in BIMSTEC?
    1. A) 5
    2. B) 6
    3. C) 7
    4. D) 8

Answer: C) 7

  1. Which country hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in 2018?
    1. A) India
    2. B) Nepal
    3. C) Sri Lanka
    4. D) Myanmar

Answer: A) India

  1. Where is the BIMSTEC Secretariat located?
    1. A) Kathmandu, Nepal
    2. B) Dhaka, Bangladesh
    3. C) Colombo, Sri Lanka
    4. D) Bangkok, Thailand

Answer: D) Bangkok, Thailand

  1. Which of the following sectors is not covered under BIMSTEC’s cooperation?
    1. A) Trade and Investment
    2. B) Technology
    3. C) Defense
    4. D) Tourism

Answer: C) Defense

  1. Which of the following is a major objective of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Promote military cooperation
    2. B) Enhance connectivity and development among member countries
    3. C) Establish a common currency
    4. D) Creation of a joint army

Answer: B) Enhance connectivity and development among member countries

  1. Which country is the latest to join BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Nepal
    2. B) Myanmar
    3. C) Sri Lanka
    4. D) Bangladesh

Answer: B) Myanmar

  1. BIMSTEC consists of countries from which of the following regions?
    1. A) Southeast Asia
    2. B) South Asia and Southeast Asia
    3. C) Central Asia
    4. D) East Asia

Answer: B) South Asia and Southeast Asia

  1. Which of the following is not a priority area under BIMSTEC cooperation?
    1. A) Connectivity
    2. B) Trade and Investment
    3. C) Agriculture
    4. D) Military Alliances

Answer: D) Military Alliances

  1. The BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA) aims to enhance:
    1. A) Political relations among member countries
    2. B) Trade and economic cooperation among member countries
    3. C) Military cooperation
    4. D) Maritime security

Answer: B) Trade and economic cooperation among member countries

  1. The 22nd BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting was held in which year?
    1. A) 2014
    2. B) 2015
    3. C) 2017
    4. D) 2018

Answer: C) 2017

  1. Which country is the current chair of BIMSTEC as of 2024?
    1. A) India
    2. B) Bangladesh
    3. C) Sri Lanka
    4. D) Nepal

Answer: A) India

  1. Which of the following is a key focus area for BIMSTEC cooperation?
    1. A) Maritime Security
    2. B) Cultural Exchanges
    3. C) Climate Change and Disaster Management
    4. D) Space Exploration

Answer: C) Climate Change and Disaster Management

  1. Which of the following countries was a founding member of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Maldives
    2. B) Thailand
    3. C) Myanmar
    4. D) Afghanistan

Answer: B) Thailand

  1. Which sector of cooperation within BIMSTEC involves the sharing of information related to scientific and technological advancements?
    1. A) Economic Cooperation
    2. B) Social and Cultural Cooperation
    3. C) Technical Cooperation
    4. D) Security Cooperation

Answer: C) Technical Cooperation

  1. The first BIMSTEC summit was held in:
    1. A) Kathmandu, Nepal
    2. B) New Delhi, India
    3. C) Colombo, Sri Lanka
    4. D) Bangkok, Thailand

Answer: B) New Delhi, India

  1. Which of the following initiatives is a part of BIMSTEC’s action plan?
    1. A) BIMSTEC Digital Connectivity
    2. B) BIMSTEC Economic Union
    3. C) BIMSTEC Energy Cooperation
    4. D) BIMSTEC Security Pact

Answer: A) BIMSTEC Digital Connectivity

  1. Which country is not a member of BIMSTEC but has a major interest in the Bay of Bengal region?
    1. A) Myanmar
    2. B) Indonesia
    3. C) Malaysia
    4. D) Bangladesh

Answer: B) Indonesia

 

Fill in the Blanks on BIMSTEC

  1. BIMSTEC stands for _______ (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
  2. The first BIMSTEC Summit was held in _______ (New Delhi, India).
  3. The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in _______ (Bangkok, Thailand).
  4. The BIMSTEC region includes _______ (7) member countries.
  5. The primary aim of BIMSTEC is to promote _______ (regional cooperation) among countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
  6. The official founding of BIMSTEC took place in _______ (1997).
  7. The BIMSTEC region covers countries from South Asia and _______ (Southeast Asia).
  8. The latest member to join BIMSTEC was _______ (Myanmar).
  9. The fourth BIMSTEC Summit was hosted by _______ (India) in 2018.
  10. BIMSTEC has a focus on areas such as trade, investment, technology, _______ (climate change), and disaster management.
  11. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation was established to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as connectivity, _______ (energy), and people-to-people ties.
  12. The 2017 BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting was held in _______ (Kathmandu, Nepal).
  13. The key objective of BIMSTEC’s Free Trade Area (FTA) is to enhance _______ (trade) and economic cooperation among the member countries.
  14. _______ (Thailand) is the current chair of BIMSTEC as of 2024.
  15. BIMSTEC’s member countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and _______ (Nepal).
  16. The BIMSTEC summits are held at _______ (irregular intervals) to discuss and review the progress of cooperation among the member countries.
  17. The 22nd BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting was held in the year _______ (2017).
  18. _______ (Bangladesh) was one of the founding members of BIMSTEC in 1997.
  19. The most significant trade cooperation under BIMSTEC is the BIMSTEC _______ (FTA), aimed at boosting intra-regional trade.
  20. The region of BIMSTEC is rich in resources, and one of its key sectors is _______ (connectivity), particularly through the development of transport links.

 

Assertion and Reason Questions on BIMSTEC

  1. Assertion: BIMSTEC was established in 1997 to promote regional cooperation among the countries around the Bay of Bengal. 

Reason: BIMSTEC’s primary focus is on economic and technical cooperation, along with enhancing connectivity among member nations.

  1. A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  2. B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  3. C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
  4. D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

 

  1. Assertion: The BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA) is aimed at boosting intra-regional trade and investment among member countries. 

Reason: The FTA under BIMSTEC has been fully implemented, eliminating all trade barriers between the member countries.

  1. A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  2. B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  3. C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
  4. D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.

 

  1. Assertion: The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in New Delhi, India. 

Reason: The Secretariat is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the BIMSTEC framework and ensuring smooth functioning among member states.

  1. A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  2. B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  3. C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
  4. D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true. (The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Bangkok, Thailand, not New Delhi.)

 

  1. Assertion: Myanmar is one of the founding members of BIMSTEC. 

Reason: Myanmar joined BIMSTEC to foster regional cooperation in areas like agriculture, health, education, and technology.

  1. A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  2. B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  3. C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
  4. D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. (Myanmar joined BIMSTEC later, but it is not one of the founding members. The founding members are Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.)

 

  1. Assertion: BIMSTEC aims to improve cooperation in the sectors of trade, investment, and infrastructure development. 

Reason: BIMSTEC focuses exclusively on trade, ignoring other sectors like climate change and disaster management.

  1. A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  2. B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  3. C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
  4. D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. (BIMSTEC focuses on multiple sectors, including climate change and disaster management, in addition to trade and investment.)

 

  1. Assertion: The BIMSTEC Summit is held every year to discuss the progress of the region. 

Reason: BIMSTEC Summit meetings are held at irregular intervals, depending on the cooperation needs of member countries.

  1. A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  2. B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  3. C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
  4. D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. (BIMSTEC Summits are held at irregular intervals but not necessarily based on cooperation needs alone.)

 

  1. Assertion: The BIMSTEC region has become a key player in regional economic cooperation. 

Reason: The region is geographically located at the crossroads of South Asia and Southeast Asia, providing significant opportunities for economic integration.

  1. A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  2. B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
  3. C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
  4. D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

 

Match the Following – BIMSTEC

 

Column A (Statements)

Column B (Options)

1. The first BIMSTEC Summit was held in

A. 1997

2. BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in

B. New Delhi, India

3. The member countries of BIMSTEC

C. Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal

4. BIMSTEC focuses on sectors like

D. Connectivity, trade, investment, technology, climate change, and disaster management

5. The official language of BIMSTEC is

E. English

6. The primary objective of BIMSTEC is

F. 1999

7. The latest BIMSTEC Summit was hosted by

G. Nepal

8. The founding year of BIMSTEC

H. 1st BIMSTEC Summit (1997)

 

Answer Key:

  1. H. The first BIMSTEC Summit was held in New Delhi, India (1997).
  2. B. BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
  3. C. The member countries of BIMSTEC are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal.
  4. D. BIMSTEC focuses on sectors like Connectivity, trade, investment, technology, climate change, and disaster management.
  5. E. The official language of BIMSTEC is English.
  6. A. The primary objective of BIMSTEC is regional cooperation and integration.
  7. G. The latest BIMSTEC Summit was hosted by Nepal (2018).
  8. F. The founding year of BIMSTEC is 1997.

 

MCQs on BIMSTEC

  1. What does BIMSTEC stand for?
    1. A) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
    2. B) Bay of India and Southeast Asian Cooperation
    3. C) Bangladesh-India-Myanmar-Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation
    4. D) Bay of Bengal International Trade and Economic Cooperation

Answer: A) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation

 

  1. Which country is not a member of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Myanmar
    2. B) Sri Lanka
    3. C) Nepal
    4. D) Pakistan

Answer: D) Pakistan

 

  1. When was BIMSTEC established?
    1. A) 1996
    2. B) 1997
    3. C) 2000
    4. D) 2005

Answer: B) 1997

 

  1. Where is the BIMSTEC Secretariat located?
    1. A) New Delhi, India
    2. B) Kathmandu, Nepal
    3. C) Dhaka, Bangladesh
    4. D) Bangkok, Thailand

Answer: D) Bangkok, Thailand

 

  1. Which country hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in 2018?
    1. A) India
    2. B) Sri Lanka
    3. C) Bangladesh
    4. D) Nepal

Answer: A) India

 

  1. How many member countries are there in BIMSTEC?
    1. A) 5
    2. B) 6
    3. C) 7
    4. D) 8

Answer: C) 7

 

  1. Which country is the current chair of BIMSTEC as of 2024?
    1. A) India
    2. B) Nepal
    3. C) Bangladesh
    4. D) Sri Lanka

Answer: A) India

 

  1. Which of the following is not a priority area of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Connectivity
    2. B) Trade and investment
    3. C) Defense cooperation
    4. D) Environment and climate change

Answer: C) Defense cooperation

 

  1. Which of the following is a key focus area for BIMSTEC cooperation?
    1. A) Maritime security
    2. B) Disaster management
    3. C) Space exploration
    4. D) Nuclear disarmament

Answer: B) Disaster management

 

  1. Which of the following is a founding member of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Afghanistan
    2. B) Myanmar
    3. C) Bhutan
    4. D) Nepal

Answer: B) Myanmar

 

  1. Which of the following is not a sector covered under BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Trade and investment
    2. B) Connectivity
    3. C) Tourism
    4. D) Security and defense

Answer: D) Security and defense

 

  1. Which of the following is the main goal of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) To create a common currency
    2. B) To strengthen regional cooperation
    3. C) To form a unified army
    4. D) To launch a space program

Answer: B) To strengthen regional cooperation

 

  1. Which of the following countries is part of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Indonesia
    2. B) Maldives
    3. C) Bhutan
    4. D) Afghanistan

Answer: C) Bhutan

 

  1. Which of the following is a non-economic focus of BIMSTEC?
    1. A) Tourism
    2. B) Education
    3. C) Environmental sustainability
    4. D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

 

  1. BIMSTEC was formed with the primary objective of:
    1. A) Political integration among member countries
    2. B) Military cooperation in the region
    3. C) Promoting multi-sectoral cooperation for regional development
    4. D) Establishing a common regional market

Answer: C) Promoting multi-sectoral cooperation for regional development

 

 

 

 

 

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