BIMST-EC was established with the objective of promoting socio-economic development and creating and enabling environment for cooperation in various fields between the member countries in order to enhance the livelihood of the peoples in the region. By drawing on traditional and cultural ties among the members, BIMST-EC could furthermore represent a bridging of the two important region of South Asia and Southeast Asia and enhancing closer cooperation between economic groupings in this region, namely ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). 

Energy sector cooperation

Policies governing energy resource development and management are closely related to economic and social development policies. As a critical input to the development process, adequate and reliable supply of energy has always been a concern of governments. But due to various policy concerns, it remains at the core issue that how to meet continuously the growing energy demand in the region.  However, significant potential for cooperation exists in the development and management of both commercial and non-commercial energy in BIMST-EC countries.

Reserves of natural gas in one of the BIMST-EC members, Bangladesh, are believed to be enormous, with new gas fields expected to be identified in the near future. Significant reserves exist also in Myanmar. On the other hand, other members like India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are major energy importers. Collaboration among them through joint development of natural gas infrastructure facilities including gas field development and establishment of natural gas pipeline networks and/or LNG facilities could result in better use of energy resources, benefiting both producing and consuming countries. Given the high costs energy imports from outside the region, BIMST-EC members could also more fully explore utilization of non-conventional energy sources such as wind, solar, and water/tidal wave.

Objectives

To identify and clarify the possibilities of joint development of natural gas fields and/or pipeline network and/or LNG infrastructure in member countries of BIMST-EC 
To promote development and utilization of non-conventional sources of energy such as wind, solar and water/tidal wave among BIMST-EC members. 

Participants

Two or more members of BIMST-EC may participate in development projects while all of them may participate in studies of energy sources and avenues for cooperation. Government energy agencies, oil and gas companies, government planning agencies, and companies dealing with energy infrastructure and technical services from the participating countries and international agencies, donor countries and private developers should be involved in all phases of the project.

Implementation strategy

To undertake studies to assess the various cooperation possibilities in natural gas, wind, solar, and water/tidal wave energy development and utilization (pre-feasibility studies); 
To discuss findings of studies and prepare a cooperation plan in sub-regional workshops; 
To discuss and agree on an action plan by a high-level meeting;
To establish a network of natural gas national institution/state-owned companies.

Projects

Following projects have been already identified and initial work has began:  

Energy Infrastructure Development (Natural Gas)
New and Renewable Sources of Energy