Reports
International Symposium
Bay of Bengal Updates: Regional Economic Cooperation at a Crossroads
On 9 February 2026, the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) hosted an International Symposium titled “Bay of Bengal Updates: Regional Economic Cooperation at a Crossroads.”
In this symposium, researchers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal shared the latest assessments of national developments and explored pathways for revitalizing regional economic cooperation through enhanced connectivity. By offering an informed and multi-perspective understanding of current challenges, the symposium provided valuable insights for policymakers and Japanese enterprises considering engagement in the Bay of Bengal region, while fostering dialogue among researchers in the region that contributes to regional stability and renewed cooperation based on deeper mutual understandings.
On this page, you can access videos of the presentations and panel discussion delivered at the symposium.
Synopsis of the Symposium
Date and time: Monday, 9 February 2026, 14:00-17:00
Venue: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Headquarters, 5F JETRO HALL and Online (Zoom Webinar)
Organizers: Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO)
| Program |
|---|
Opening Remarks
|
Presentation 1 “Regional background and updates”
|
Presentation 2 “Role of Japan in the regional cooperation”
|
| Session 1 “Country Updates” |
Presentation 1 “Bangladesh at a Crossroads--Emergent Economic Scenario, Future Challenges, and Opportunities in Going Forward”
|
Presentation 2 “Bhutan and It's Regional Economic Dynamics”
|
Presentation 3 “India and the Bay of Bengal Neighbourhood: The Road Ahead? : Perspectives from North East India”
|
Presentation 4 “From Buffer State to Green Battery & Digital Bridge--Nepal's Strategic Pivot in the Asian Century”
|
| Session 2 “Panel Discussion, Q&A” |
|
Theme: Regional Economic Cooperation in the Bay-of-Bengal Rim: Ways Forward
|
Opening Remarks
Shinya Imaizumi (Executive Vice President, IDE-JETRO)
Presentation 1 “Regional background and updates”
Mayumi Murayama (Senior Research Fellow, Area Studies Center, IDE-JETRO)
Presentation 2 “Role of Japan in the regional cooperation”
Yuji Ando （Senior Director for Global Strategy (Southwest Asia), Planning Division, Planning Department, JETRO)
Session 1 “Country Updates”
-
Presentation 1 “Bangladesh at a Crossroads--Emergent Economic Scenario, Future Challenges, and Opportunities in Going Forward”
- Mustafizur Rahman (Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh)
-
Presentation 2 “Bhutan and It's Regional Economic Dynamics”
- Phuntsho Rapten (Eminent Member, National Council, Parliament of Bhutan)
-
Presentation 3 “India and the Bay of Bengal Neighbourhood: The Road Ahead ? : Perspectives from North East India”
- Sabyasachi Dutta (Executive Director, Asian Confluence, India)
-
Presentation 4 “From Buffer State to Green Battery & Digital Bridge--Nepal's Strategic Pivot in the Asian Century”
- Sunil KC (Founder, Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA), Nepal)
Session 2 “Panel Discussion, Q&A”
Theme: Regional Economic Cooperation in the Bay-of-Bengal Rim: Ways Forward
- Moderator : So Umezaki (Director-General, Development Studies Center, IDE-JETRO)
- Panelist : All Speakers
Attention when watching video streaming
Please read carefully and agree to the following terms of use and legal disclaimers before watching the video streaming. By watching the video streaming, you agree to all of the terms of use and legal disclaimers. If you do not agree to the terms of use and legal disclaimers, please stop using the site immediately. The terms of use and legal disclaimers may change without notice.
Video streaming: Terms of use and legal disclaimers
Contact
Outreach Event Division, Research Administration Department, IDE-JETRO
E-mail：sympo-sc 