The fourth Bimstec Summit concluded in Kathmandu yesterday with the member states inking a deal for cross-country energy grid interconnection and reaffirming strong commitment to working out a comprehensive approach to combat terrorism.

The 4th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) kicks off at Kathmandu of Nepal under the theme “Towards Peaceful, Prosperous and Sustainable Bay of Bengal Region”.

The BIMSTEC appoints Bangladesh’s candidate M Shahidul Islam as the next secretary general of the sub-regional grouping for a term of three years.

BIMSTEC is no longer a member-driven organisation, and in this context, the Secretariat becomes vital in driving the organisation.

Many laypersons may not be aware that what is typically touted as a 'FTA' has often much less to do with free trade and more to do with preferential trade.