New Delhi, Oct 25 (UNI) Describing BIMSTC as a powerful engine of economic growth, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Monday said that work on financing and implementing the Transport Connectivity Master Plan of the seven-member bloc has begun and there has also been progress on finalizing the Coastal Shipping and the Motor Vehicles Agreement.
Addressing the International Symposium on “BIMSTEC: A Vehicle for Growth and Development” Organized by the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, Kolkata, the Foreign Secretary said the Covid pandemic has added a new dimension to disaster management, and as lead country for disaster management, India will be organizing a Tri-Services HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) exercise towards this year.
"With 21.7% of the world population and combined GDP of US