The visit comes as a follow-up to Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s April visit to India, who had then discussed with the Indian side about the development of Indo-Nepal inland.

The first phase of related discussions was held in Kathmandu, where it was decided that a Nepali technical team will visit India to conduct an infrastructure study on Indian waterways.

Briefing the team’s agenda, Nepali officials in New Delhi said, Nepal Water & Energy Consumption (NWEC) Joint Secretary Madhav Belbase along with the team of technical experts will visit different Indian inland waterways to study their infrastructure and learn how Nepal will benefit from them.

Following this, the Nepali team will meet and discuss the possibilities with the Indian team.

Inland Waterways Under Construction:
India has already begun working on building infrastructure to develop inland waterways from Kolkata to Varanasi via the River Ganga. The Indian Government and the World Bank together have invested over INR 54 billion for this part of the project.

The project encompasses the construction of multi-modal terminal stations in Varanasi, Sahibganj in Bihar and Haldia in Kolkata.

The terminal in Varanasi is due for completion in November 2018.

On completion, Nepali cargo from third-world countries can be transported from Kolkata to Varanasi and then be sent through rail and road links to Birgunj and Bhairahawa.

Officials say that this project is important and will pave way for imports and exports of big cargo including raw materials.

The Kalughat terminal near Patna is another feasible option. Currently under construction, the terminal will facilitate cargo imports up to the Narayani river.

A multi-modal terminal in Haldiya of Kolkata, which is underway, will enable transportation of 2.18 million ton every year. The project is due for completion in December 2019.

Alternative in Consideration
According to officials, the two neighboring countries are considering a few alternatives for the modality of waterways:

• India has proposed the shipment of cargo with the help of big vessels from Kolkata to Kalughat in Bihar from where they can be transported to the Nepali border on smaller ships
• Nepal can also transfer the goods through the 180-km Kalughat-Raxaul road link.
• India proposed the movement of goods on big vessels between Kolkata-Sahibganj waterway and later transfer them to small ships to the Nepal border
• Nepal can also import goods by road through the 150-km Sahibganj-Manihari-Birgunj corridor
• India has also proposed the transfer of goods through cross-border railway lines which are under-construction

The two countries Prime Minister Visits, the Trade-Treaty and more recently the BIMSTEC Summit have paved the way for many interesting projects between the two countries including railways, cargo tracking and waterways which stand as proof of both countries efforts for regional co-operation and individual development.

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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli confirmed this in his recent address to Nepali Parliament, couple of days after the BIMSTEC 2018 concluded in Kathmandu.

Addressing the Parliament, PM Oli said the Summit has boosted Nepal’s reputation & abilities while also enhancing the level of reliability of the nation.

“It has been seen that Nepal can hold any kind of program in an organized manner. The Summit was effective and largely successful as it was organized with caution and without any mistake,” read Oli’s statement.

Citing the BIMSTEC 2018 highlights, Oli informed that the event has resulted in a common conclusion with proper direction for all BIMSTEC member states.

He further informed that the Summit formed an effective platform for discussions among heads of the states and governments of the member nations on ways to achieve enhanced bilateral cooperation and fulfil regional interests.

Oli said that the Summit focused on cooperation in core sectors: Tourism & connectivity, energy, power and trade & investment.

The 18-point Declaration also paid high regard to Nepal lauding the Government of Nepal’s efforts in making the BIMSTEC Summit a grand success!

As part of the Summit, the member states agreed upon the 18-point Kathmandu Declaration, which includes:

1. Reviewing of the principles agreed upon in the 1997 Bangkok Declaration and reconsidering peaceful co-existence, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, sovereign equality, territorial integrity and mutual benefit as key to BIMSTEC cooperation
2. Expediting action on the BIMSTEC objectives as embodied in the 1997 Bangkok Declaration and work towards strengthening BIMSTEC as more of an implementation-oriented organization
3. Enhancing BIMSTEC’s capabilities as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia for socio-economic development and peace & prosperity in the region
4. Reiteration to combat terrorism in all forms such as curbing organizations/state & non-state entities/networks funding terrorism, blocking recruitment to terrorism, cross-border movement of terrorists, stopping radicalization and dismantling terrorist hubs, among others through a country-country collaboration and a comprehensive approach
5. Continuing commitment to the core principles and agendas of the Charter of the United Nations and collaborate in all possible forms that can strengthen the multilateral system in addressing the contemporary challenges, globally
6. Decision to form the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC), which will take care of administrative and financial tasks of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, Centers and Entities, organizational activities and programs, etc.
7. As part of institutional reforms, preparing a preliminary draft of the BIMSTEC Charter, defining a long-term cooperation in cooperation and addressing priorities, delineating roles and responsibilities of different layers within the BIMSTEC structure and decision-making process for approval from BPWC (making it ready-to-adopt by the 5^th BIMSTEC Summit) and develop Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC mechanisms
8. Direct respective BIMSTEC member countries and heads of the states to explore the possibility of forming the BIMSTEC Development Fund (BDF) with voluntary contribution from the member states, which will be utilized for research & planning, financing and other aspects of BIMSTEC as agreed upon among the member states
9. Enhancing the institutional capabilities of BIMSTEC Secretariat by adding more Human Resources (HR) to support the organizational activities from initializing to implementing any proposals and projects, increase the number of Directors from one to seven covering all the member states on a step-by-step manner
10. Widening BIMSTEC scope at the international level by way of forging common positions on issues of common interest globally and seeking due recognition across the existing global multilateral players
11. Emphasizing on the need for further progress, review, restructure and rationalize core areas of BIMSTEC cooperation and welcoming Thailand’s concept paper on the Reprioritization of BIMSTEC Pillars of Cooperation towards streamlining BIMSTEC principles to five key pillars
12. Prioritizing legal documents and instruments that need approvals internally for finalization and ratification
13. Lauding the role of the lead countries of the group and encouraging them for further progress
14. Appreciating the former Secretary-General Mr. Sumith Nakandala’s contribution to BIMSTEC and welcoming the appointment of Mr. M. Shahidul Islam of Bangladesh as the new BIMSTEC Secretary General
15. Conveying deep appreciation to Nepal for its abilities in handling full responsibility of BIMSTEC operations since March 2014 and welcome Sri Lanka as the new Chair
16. Reiterating commitment to timely holding of the Summit and other meetings under the BIMSTEC mechanism for enhanced regional cooperation
17. Deciding on making commitments and statements of members’ positions on sectoral review expressed at the Annexure as part of this Declaration
18. Sincere appreciation to the Government of Nepal for its warm hospitality and efficient way in hosing the Summit

Now, it’s time to wait and watch the way implementation progresses. All the Best BIMSTEC! The 5th BIMSTEC Summit is going to take place in Sri Lanka.

Also Read:

• Fourth BIMSTEC Summit : Nepal All Set, Delegates Arriving In!
• Nepal Gears up for 4th BIMSTEC Summit
• 4th BIMSTEC 2018 Summit Concludes with Declaration

The post BIMSTEC 2018: Nepal’s Mission Accomplished, Now its Lanka’s Turn! appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

Oli told this to all the ministries in his address at the first review meeting at the Council of Ministers following the BIMSTEC summit.

Oli’s Press Advisor Dr Kundan Aryal cited Oli to have said that the activities of the SAARC and BIMSTEC nations would be forwarded simultaneously to all the concerned ministries.

The Declaration calls for effectiveness of BIMSTEC, addressing issues pertaining to poverty alleviation, enhancement of transportation and IT abilities, bring in more effective reforms in energy, environment, public health, natural disaster management, fishery & agriculture, culture, tourism, and Blue Economy, among other areas.

On the occasion, PM also thanked public, security agencies, civil employees and all the related stakeholders for making the BIMSTEC 2018 Summit a grand success, informed Binod Bahadur Kunwar, PMO Spokesperson.

The meeting involved high-level delegates including ministers, chiefs of the security agencies and high-profile officials.

Also Read:

• Fourth BIMSTEC Summit : Nepal All Set, Delegates Arriving In!
• Nepal Gears up for 4th BIMSTEC Summit
• 4th BIMSTEC 2018 Summit Concludes with Declaration

The post BIMSTEC 2018: PM for Effective Implementation of Kathmandu Declaration appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

With common areas of concern including connectivity trade, investment, tourism, climate change, transnational crime, terrorism and peace & security, the BIMSTEC member states representatives pitched for enhanced cooperation.

Reiterating BIMSTEC’s immense potential, representatives pointed out that every member has to utilize the co-operation’s full potential. They also pledged their firm commitment to strengthening the sub-regional collaboration for mutual prosperity.

Host Country’s PM Oli’s Message:
In his opening speech, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the member states were connected by the Himalayas and Bay of Bengal and they are keen on eliminating the obstacles to development and prosperity by strengthening cooperation in various sectors like trade, infrastructure, road, energy, business, tourism, and connectivity.

“Above all, it is our commitment — a commitment for deeper integration of our economies, of our trade and commerce. It is a commitment espoused over two decades ago, as a thoughtful response to seize the opportunities of globalization and shifting of the economic locus to Asia,” said Oli.

Pointing that the region must first focus on eliminating poverty to realize its full potential, Oli said that the BIMSTEC Poverty Plan of Action must be fully implemented.

Addressing ‘climate change’ he says, member states should build stronger ties to adapt and eliminate this menace.

“Strong political will, coupled with right mix of policies, institutions, and resources could ensure the success of BIMSTEC,” he said.

Coming to connectivity, Oli said connectivity of infrastructure & industries and connectivity of markets have the power to trigger multiplier effects to ignite innovation, spur growth and propel progress.

“I underline the importance of developing and operationalizing a Buddhist Circuit in the region to promote connectivity and tourism,” Oli said.

PM Modi’s Address at BIMSTEC
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Fourth BIMSTEC Summit PM Modi said that all BIMSTEC member countries seek peace and prosperity and this is achievable only if there is connectivity across all aspects between members.

“Each of our countries seek peace, prosperity and happiness, but in today’s interconnected world, we cannot achieve this alone,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi called on member states representatives to take the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipment & Motor Vehicle Agreement-related process forward.

Also talking about regional cooperation with Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand he said, “We are committed to expanding digital connectivity in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and other countries.

Furthermore, creating an opportunity for the development of arts and culture, he said that they will set up a center for Bay of Bengal Studies in Nalanda University for conducting research on arts, culture, and maritime laws.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s Message:
Sheikh Hasina said that Dhaka’s role in hosting the BIMSTEC secretariat was a sign of the country’s commitment to regional cooperation.

Speaking about BIMSTEC’s success over the last two decades, Hasina said that the co-operation had a long way to go to achieve success through the adoption of a consolidated legal framework and substantial engagement for visible results.

She also highlighted the need for trade promotion and free trade area.

Bhutan’s Chief Justice Tshering Wangchuk’s Message:
Tshering Wangchuk identified robust partnership as a driving force for shared prosperity and achieving national and mutual goals of the region.

Wangchuk also emphasized on the need for enhanced co-operation in areas such as trade, regional integration, connectivity, security, people-to-people contact and climate change.

Myanmar Pres. Win Myint & Sri Lankan Pres. Maithripala Sirisena
Win Myint said cooperation and trade in energy was essential to fill the immense energy deficit in the region. He also urged member states for early finalization of the Free Trade Agreement, in a bid to promote trade and investment.

He shared similar views with Indian PM Modi on terrorism and extended active cooperation in fighting terrorism. However, he mentioned that the region is still in the grip of poverty.

Sri Lankan President Sirisena stated that all BIMSTEC states were facing similar political and social problems and enhanced collaboration could address these common problems.

Thailand PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha’s Message:
Chan-O-Cha said BIMSTEC could link South Asia with South East Asia. Saying that member countries should more on quality rather than quantity, he said that the co-operation could focus on five important areas, that is, trade, connectivity, people-to-people contact, security and science and technology.

He also stressed on early finalization of the Motor Vehicle Agreement.

BIMSTEC Summit Concludes with Kathmandu Declaration:

The Fourth BIMSTEC Summit ended today, with the signing of the 18-point Kathmandu Declaration.

The declaration includes issues like agricultural technology exchange, fight against terrorism, gradual reduction of climate change impacts, increased trade and investment and easing the visa processing for the BIMSTEC member states citizens.

Following the conclusion of the summit, the member states have agreed to connect the countries through highway, railway, air, sea and power-transmission line.

The member states have also firmly resolved to eradicate poverty from the region by 2030 in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Similarly, they have pledged to stand against terrorism.

Conclusion:
We wish the countries luck for their endeavors and hope that they are able to provide timely support and co-operation for meeting the development goals of the BIMSTEC region.

Fourth #BIMSTEC Summit 2018 at a Glance

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