Indian businesses must focus on BIMSTEC beyond traditional markets

Indian business community must look beyond traditional markets and explore the emerging opportunities available in neighbouring BIMSTEC economies.

This was highlighted at the Millennial India International Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MIICCIA) led conference on “Business Opportunities in BIMSTEC Countries” on Monday in Delhi bringing together senior diplomats from BIMSTEC member states and representatives of Indian trade and industry to explore opportunities for greater economic engagement and business partnerships across the region.

Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, President, MIICCIA, outlined the Chamber’s objectives and its role in supplementing the efforts of the Government of India to promote India’s trade, investment and commercial relations with countries and regions across the world.


He particularly highlighted the importance of the BIMSTEC region and the considerable potential for Indian businesses to build stronger partnerships in areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and services.

The conference was addressed by Ambassador Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs. In his address, Tandon emphasised the significant scope for expanding trade and economic relations among the BIMSTEC countries. He highlighted the growing importance of the Bay of Bengal region and the opportunities arising from greater connectivity, economic integration and closer cooperation among the member states. He also encouraged the Indian business community to look beyond traditional markets and explore the emerging opportunities available in neighbouring BIMSTEC economies.

The conference brought envoys and diplomats of all the BIMSTEC member countries. M. Riaz Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh; Maj. Gen. Vetsop Namgyel, High Commissioner of Bhutan; Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; Daw Thin Pyant Thida Kyaw, Chargé d'Affaires of Myanmar; Kiran Moongtin, Deputy Chief of Mission of Thailand and Deepak Ghimere, First Secretary, Embassy of Nepal, shared their perspectives on the economic and commercial opportunities available in their respective countries and the scope for enhanced India-BIMSTEC business engagement.

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, addressed the conference through a video message. He highlighted the importance of stronger business-to-business engagement and greater private-sector participation in advancing regional economic cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework.

Around 80 representatives from Indian trade and industry, including businesses with existing or prospective interests in BIMSTEC countries, participated in the conference. The discussions provided an opportunity for Indian companies to gain a better understanding of market opportunities, identify potential areas of cooperation and interact directly with diplomatic representatives of the BIMSTEC member states.