BIMSTEC urges regional interdependence over global supply chain reliance

There is a need to build regional interdependence rather than rely on global supply chains—whether in energy, health or other sectors—BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey has said, according to a press statement issued on Monday.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has revitalised the India Secretariat of the BIMSTEC Business Council by announcing its new leadership, the statement said.
The new leadership has outlined a strategic agenda centred on three core pillars: trade facilitation, multimodal connectivity and MSME cooperation. These priorities closely align with the BIMSTEC “Bangkok Vision 2030”, which aims to transform the Bay of Bengal into a resilient, open and prosperous region.
Bangladesh, as the lead member state for cooperation in the trade, investment and development sector under BIMSTEC, has a significant role to play in strengthening business-to-business exchanges and dialogue.
Assocham’s move reinforces India’s commitment to BIMSTEC and reflects its broader vision of deepening regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal under its “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies, the statement added.
“We need to build regional interdependence instead of depending on global supply chains, whether in energy security, health security and beyond. We can address such challenges more effectively by working together,” Pandey was quoted as saying.
In his opening remarks, Tribhuvan Darbari, India chair of the BIMSTEC Business Council, said, “BIMSTEC represents a US$5 trillion opportunity. The time is ripe to unlock this potential through deeper trade integration, stronger supply chains and seamless connectivity. The real opportunity lies in translating policy alignment into tangible business outcomes.”
Saurabh Sanyal, secretary general of Assocham, said, “This marks not just an institutional milestone, but a sustained commitment to businesses across the seven member states. Our focus is on turning intent into action through strong industry-government collaboration.”