Kathmandu: BIMSTEC Expert Group on Visa Matters has made a strategic decision to pursue a Visa Facilitation Scheme aimed at enhancing intra-BIMSTEC travel, fostering people-to-people exchanges, and bolstering trade and tourism within the region. This decision was formalized during the 4th Meeting of the group, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from November 20-21, as announced in a press release today. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting highlighted the significance of cooperation among BIMSTEC member states on visa-related issues. It was agreed to facilitate the issuance of visas and address other related matters for participants attending BIMSTEC meetings and activities. The group also encouraged member states to establish visa exemption agreements through bilateral mechanisms and simplify visa procedures. Additionally, the meeting underscored the importance of organizing capacity development and knowledge-sharing activities on a regular basis. These efforts aim to strengthen the collective abil ity of BIMSTEC members to manage visa-related processes effectively. The next meeting of the BIMSTEC Expert Group on Visa Matters is scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka. BIMSTEC, comprising seven countries in the Bay of Bengal region-Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand-focuses on regional cooperation across seven broad sectors. These sectors include Agriculture and Food Security, Connectivity, Environment and Climate Change, People to People Contact, Science, Technology and Innovation, Security, and Trade, Investment, and Development. The cooperation framework also extends to eight sub-sectors, namely Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries and Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Human Resource Development. The Visa Facilitation Scheme is expected to play a crucial role in advancing these cooperative efforts.
