National Science and Technology Commission
Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC Expert Group on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) held its Third Expert Group Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Cooperation on 11th September, 2025 at the Ramada by Wyndham in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event was hosted by the National Science and Technology Commission of Sri Lanka (NASTEC) in collaboration with the BIMSTEC Secretariat, and was presided over by the Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Sri Lanka. The event brought together 21 senior delegates from BIMSTEC member states, including representatives from the BIMSTEC Secretary General’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, and National Science and Technology Commission.
The meeting aimed to accelerate STI development through collaborative regional efforts, facilitate technology transfer among member countries, and foster public-private partnerships to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. A key outcome of the deliberations was the formal adoption of the STI Plan of Action (2023–2027), which sets a strategic framework for advancing cooperation and development in the STI sector. The meeting also featured the BIMSTEC Start-up Conclave and marked the operationalization of the BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility, both of which are expected to strengthen innovation ecosystems and enable cross-border knowledge exchange. Discussions underscored the alignment of the STI Cooperation Plan of Action with regional priorities, and the meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening cooperation across the disciplines of science, technology, and innovation. The event marked a significant milestone in BIMSTEC’s efforts to institutionalize STI collaboration and position the region for inclusive and resilient development.
| Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC Expert Group on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation |  |