Experts on foreign affairs and trade have said the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) could be utilised as an opportunity for regional development and expansion of trade.

The forthcoming fourth BIMSTEC Summit being held in Nepal could be taken as the platform for wider international image of Nepal, they said during a programme in the Capital on Thursday.

According to them, implementation of the past agreements on multi-sectoral development is another pressing issue.

Economist Dilliraj Khanal said that BIMSTEC could be used as a bridge for promotion and coordination on regional cooperation.

At a time when the country is aspiring to move towards the path of growth and prosperity, he said the available resources should be utilised to their fullest and BIMSTEC could make that possible.

He suggested selecting particular areas of cooperation that are win-win to all members.

Foreign affairs expert Dinesh Bhattarai said Nepal has got the opportunity to host the BIMSTEC Summit in the changed context, so a significant message must be sent out at this moment.

Former government secretary Purushottam Ojha said effective implementation of the concept of regional development can be stressed on this occasion.

Extending relations at the people-to-people level and taking concrete initiative on energy and tourism sector are others priority areas, he added.