On 7 - 8 April 2026, Miss Prangtip Chansomsak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, attended the 9th Meeting of the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Meeting was chaired by Mr. S.M. Mahbubul Alam, in Bangladesh’s capacity as current BIMSTEC Chair.

The Meeting reviewed progress regarding the implementation of the recommendations put forth by the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) on the future direction of BIMSTEC, and the guidelines for the concrete realization of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030. They also discussed preparations for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the BIMSTEC, which will be observed for one year from 6 June 2026 to 6 June 2027. Various special commemorative activities will be organized throughout the anniversary year. The Meeting agreed on the strengthening of the BIMSTEC Secretariat through the consideration of administrative matters, such as budget allocations for salaries and support assistance of the Secretariat, as well as organizational restructuring and the revision of rules and procedures, in order to enhance the Secretariat’s capacity and efficiency.

In addition, the Meeting discussed the promotion of relations with external partners, alongside monitoring the progress of the establishment of various regional centres and cooperative mechanisms, with a view to driving operations towards tangible outcomes.