Which Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation member state serves as the host for the Permanent Secretariat?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is People's Republic of Bangladesh.
Explanation:
☛ The Permanent Secretariat of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
☛ The BIMSTEC Secretariat was officially inaugurated in Dhaka on 13 September 2014 to coordinate and facilitate the activities of the regional group.
☛ BIMSTEC was founded on 6 June 1997 through the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
☛ It was initially founded as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Membership: BIMSTEC comprises 7 member states — five from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand).
☛ Expansion: Myanmar was admitted in December 1997, and Nepal and Bhutan joined the organisation in February 2004.
☛ BIMSTEC Charter: The landmark BIMSTEC Charter officially entered into force on 20 May 2024, providing the grouping a distinct legal personality.
☛ Leadership: Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey of India became the first Indian diplomat to hold the office of the Secretary-General of BIMSTEC.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which year was the Bangkok Declaration signed to establish BIMSTEC? → 1997
☛ Who was the first Indian diplomat appointed as the Secretary-General of BIMSTEC? → Indra Mani Pandey
☛ Which two countries joined BIMSTEC in the year 2004? → Nepal and Bhutan
☛ Which member state hosted the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in 2022? → Sri Lanka (Colombo)
☛ On which date did the BIMSTEC Charter officially come into force? → 20 May 2024