DHAKA, Nov 25, 2024 (BSS) - BIMSTEC Expert Group on Visa Matters has decided to pursue Visa Facilitation Scheme to promote intra-BIMSTEC travels, people-to-people exchanges, trade and tourism. 
 
The decision was taken at the 4th Meeting of the group that was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 20-21, said a press release here today. 
 
Underlining the importance of cooperation amongst the BIMSTEC member States on visa matters, the meeting, agreed to facilitate issue of visas and other related matters for the participants at BIMSTEC meetings and activities.
 
The group also encouraged the member States, interalia, to conclude visa exemption agreements through bilateral mechanisms and ease visa procedures. 
 
It emphasized on organizing capacity development and knowledge-sharing activities on a regular basis.
 
The next Meeting of BIMSTEC Expert Group on Visa Matters will be hosted by Sri Lanka.
 
BIMSTEC, comprising seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand pursue regional cooperation in seven broad sectors. 
 
The sectors are - Agriculture and Food Security; Connectivity; Environment and Climate Change; People to People Contact; Science, Technology and Innovation; Security; and Trade, Investment and Development. 
 
The cooperation also covers 8 sub-sectors - Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries and Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health and Human Resource Development.