CEDA Hosts and Leads Seventh BIMSTEC Think Tank Meeting, Strengthening Nepal’s Leadership in Regional Policy and Culture Cooperation

The Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA), Tribhuvan University, served as the host institution and official focal point of the Government of Nepal for the Seventh Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks (BNPTT), held in Kathmandu on 30–31 May 2025. Bringing together representatives from all seven BIMSTEC member states, the Meeting reinforced regional collaboration in cultural connectivity, people-to-people exchanges, and policy research. CEDA led the organization, academic coordination, and diplomatic engagement throughout the event.

Prof. Dr. Arjun Kumar Baral, Executive Director of CEDA, delivered the Welcome Remarks as a chair of the event, highlighting tourism and cultural diplomacy as critical pathways for inclusive regional prosperity. Advocating for evidence-based policy, people-centric dialogue, and shared learning, he was unanimously elected Chairperson of the Meeting, guiding strategic discussions and adoption of the agenda.

BIMSTEC Secretary General H.E. Indra Mani Pandey underscored the centrality of people-to-people contact in regional cooperation, appreciated CEDA’s hosting role, endorsed Nepal’s proposal for a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Culture and Tourism, and called for inclusive participation and actionable policy inputs aligned with BIMSTEC Vision 2030.

Prof. Dr. Khadga K.C., Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, in his Keynote Address as a chief guest, proposed initiatives including a BIMSTEC Youth Exchange Program, a regional network of universities and think tanks, and enhanced academic mobility.

Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal, former Member of the National Planning Commission and Nepal’s BNPTT Member and head of delegation, highlighted Nepal’s leadership in fostering people-to-people contact within BIMSTEC through tourism and culture. He underscored key initiatives such as the Temple Trails and Buddhist Circuits, supported by efforts like visa facilitation and the adoption of digital payment systems to enhance regional connectivity.

Complementing his remarks, Mr. Dipak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, and Mr. Pitambar Bhandari, Assistant Professor of Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies at Tribhuvan University, shared insights on promoting cultural tourism, unlocking Nepal’s potential in the sector, and addressing cross-border tourism challenges.

In addition to Nepal, BNPTT representatives from all seven BIMSTEC member states; Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand presented their respective country papers, contributing to a rich regional dialogue on tourism, culture, and connectivity.

The Meeting reaffirmed CEDA’s pivotal role in BIMSTEC’s Track-II diplomacy, marking a milestone in Nepal’s regional leadership and academic-policy engagement.