- BIMSTEC comprises of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan and the main objective of this regional grouping is to foster socio?economic progress of the member countries by promoting co-operation in eight priority sectors, namely, Trade and Investment, Technology, Transportation and Communication, Tourism, Fisheries, Energy, Agriculture and Human Resources Development. It provides a unique link between South Asia and Southeast Asia. The proposal made by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce, to confirm the Negative List of Sri Lanka under BIMSTEC FTA, which has been prepared in consultation with the relevant state sector authorities, was approved by the Cabinet.