Dhaka, 20 July 2026
Secretary General BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) inaugurated the office of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the BIMSTEC Secretariat on 20 July 2026. The establishment of the PMU at the BIMSTEC Secretariat represents an important milestone in BIMSTEC’s institutional development.
The PMU has been established with the support of the World Bank (WB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations under the South Asia Regional Capacity Building for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response with One Health Approach Project.
Representatives of the FAO, WB, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and diplomatic mission of the member States participated in the ceremony.
In his address, BIMSTEC Secretary General, H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, described establishment of the PMU as an important milestone in strengthening the Secretariat’s institutional and implementation capacity. He noted that the PMU would support planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting on regional initiatives, while promoting greater transparency, accountability and efficiency. He expressed appreciation of the Government of Bangladesh, BIMSTEC Member States, the World Bank, FAO and other development partners for their continued support.
The PMU will support the Secretariat in implementing the Plans of Action on Public Health and Traditional Medicine in close coordination with the BIMSTEC Member States and developmental partners. While established under a regional public health initiative, the Unit will also strengthen the Secretariat’s broader capacity to manage and implement complex regional programmes and partnerships.
TNH VIEW | WHY IT MATTERS
A stronger BIMSTEC Secretariat enhances the organisation’s ability to translate regional commitments into practical outcomes, reinforcing cooperation across the Bay of Bengal at a time of growing geopolitical and economic importance.
Source: Press Release | BIMSTEC Secretariat
