Policy Brief on BIMSTEC Cooperation in Agriculture
Citation: Raihan, S., Surid, T.F. (2024). “BIMSTEC Cooperation in Agriculture”. SANEM-The Asia Foundation Policy Brief. November 2024. SANEM Publications. Dhaka.
This study analyzes agricultural cooperation within BIMSTEC, which supports the livelihoods of nearly 1.5 billion people across its member states. The region demonstrates diverse agricultural production patterns. The analysis reveals a declining trend in agriculture’s contribution to GDP and employment across most member states, though Bhutan shows an increase in agriculture’s GDP share. The findings identify several challenges, including trade barriers, technological disparities, and overreliance on single trading partners. To address these issues, the recommendations provided in the study were promoting technology sharing, implementing capacity-building programs, strengthening regional trade agreements, and encouraging trade partner diversification to enhance the region’s agricultural cooperation and economic resilience.