The BIMSTEC Secretariat, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Nepal, has organized a Consultation Workshop on Cross-Border Digital Payments from 30–31 July 2025 in Kathmandu. It seeks to explore the feasibility of establishing a seamless cross-border digital payment system among the BIMSTEC member States.

In his video message during the Opening Session, BIMSTEC Secretary General H.E. Indra Mani Pandey underscored the significance of such a system in enhancing trade, tourism, travel, and ease of doing business amongst the member States. He emphasized the need for cooperation to overcome key challenges to establishing such a system.

The Workshop aims to develop a roadmap for regional digital payment integration by mapping national ecosystems, engaging key stakeholders, building consensus on technical and regulatory frameworks and laying the foundation for structured cooperation among member States. Representatives from the relevant government organizations, central banks and financial institutions of the BIMSTEC member States are participating at the workshop.