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Summary Record of Discussions
2nd Task Force Meeting on Matrix of BIMST-EC Project Proposals
4 December 2002, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1.The 2nd Task Force Meeting on Matrix of BIMST-EC Project Proposals, chaired by Thailand, was held on 4 December 2002 to follow up the comments and views of the concerned authorities of BIMST-EC member countries regarding the matrix of BIMST-EC project proposals.
2.The Task Force takes into account the feedback of the BIMST-EC members as the following.
For Bangladesh and Myanmar, it is viewed that the prioritization of projects should be discussed and decided at the SOM level.
For Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Government
-places importance on the establishment of Federation of Processed Food Associations.
-Proposes that the Low Cost Micro Irrigation Project be included in the matrix of BIMST-EC Project Proposals under technology
-Views that two month notice should be given prior to the holding of any Expert Group Meeting
-Concerning the standardization of financial arrangements regarding the Expert Group Meetings, the option having the host country provide local hospitality to two members from each delegation, including the head of delegation and the sending country to bear air travel expenditure is preferred.
For India the Indian Government
-expresses interests on several proposed projects such as the establishment of BIMSTEC Account Trade, Training Programme on Information Technology in Tourism, BIMSTEC Framework Agreement on Multimodal Transport, and Fishery Projects.
For Thailand
-the Tourism Authority of Thailand has given more detailed of the financial requirement for the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Tourism Cooperation Centre.
-proposes another project of “Design of Kanchanaburi – Three Pagoda Pass Railway Line” under transport and communication sector.
3.The Task Force viewed that the establishment of BIMST-EC Tourism Cooperation Centre would be a useful mechanism in the launching of Visit BIMST-EC Year in 2004
4.The Task Force agreed that the setting up of the BIMST-EC permanent secretariat is needed in order to facilitate the implementation of these proposed projects as well as monitor the activities of BIMST-EC sectoral cooperation.
5.The Task Force concluded that more detailed information for some proposed projects should be submitted before the decision in prioritizing these projects could be made by SOM.
6.The Task Force agreed to submit its Record of Discussions to the Working Group in Bangkok which will later be transmitted for the consideration of SOM and MM during 18-20 December 2002 in Colombo.
Division of Economic Relations and Cooperation
Department of International Economic Affairs
4th December 2002.
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