Bangkok, Apr 04 (V7N) – Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the newly appointed Chairman of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Regional Cooperation (BIMSTEC), has called for the organization of a youth festival to boost the engagement of young people from the member states and strengthen regional ties.

Dr. Yunus made this proposal to BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey after taking charge as the new Chairman at the conclusion of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday, April 4. This was shared in a press release issued by the Chief Advisor’s press wing.

In his discussion with Secretary General Pandey, Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of organizing a separate youth conference during the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit, which will be hosted by Bangladesh in the next two years. The proposal included arranging a youth meeting with BIMSTEC leaders, where each member state would ensure the participation of their youth representatives. This initiative aims to create a platform for young people from the BIMSTEC region to engage with one another and with regional leaders.

Secretary General Pandey responded positively, describing the idea as “a great initiative” and assured Dr. Yunus that they would give this proposal the utmost attention and work towards its implementation.

Dr. Yunus also brought up the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the meeting, inquiring about its progress. In response, Pandey shared that efforts are underway to organize a meeting of member states and trade ministers to discuss the FTA for the first time in 21 years. The last such meeting was held in 2004.

The meeting also covered future plans for the alliance, including Dr. Yunus’s request for the BIMSTEC Secretariat to prepare an annual meeting calendar to ensure that the activities of the member states are productive and efficient.

As the new Chairman of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh will now lead the organization for the next two years, taking over the chairmanship from Thai Prime Minister Phatthana Shinawatra at the conclusion of the summit.

END/MSS/AJ