The BIMSTEC Charter was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha in the lower house of the Federal Parliament of Nepal today. A majority in the lower house supported the proposal seeking endorsement of the BIMSTEC Charter.

BIMSTEC charter can only be enforced after its endorsement by parliament. Apart from Nepal, other six member countries of BIMSTEC have got the BIMSTEC Charter endorsed by their respective parliaments. BIMSTEC may forge regional collaboration for economic prosperity.

Article 279 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal provides that the ratification of a treaty and agreement to which Nepal is to become a party shall be as provided for in the federal law. Clause 4 of the Nepal Treaty Act 2027 provides that the Government and Council of Ministers have to table the charter at the Federal Parliament for approval. As per the provision, the government tabled the BIMSTEC charter in the parliament for its approval.

BIMSTEC was formed in 1997 to enhance regional cooperation on issues like economic prosperity, social progress, scientific achievement, peace, stability and connectivity. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are members of BIMSTEC. Nepal became a member of BIMSTEC in 2004. 

By Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)