The process of economic integration in Asia has many dimensions to it. As different sub-regions of the continent pursue a distinct course of economic integration within, they are also simultaneously entering into economic arrangements across sub-regions. This article undertakes an evaluation of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation (BIMSTEC), an inter-sub-regional organization, for its ability to act as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. The analysis involves an assessment of the design and the potential of this sub-regional grouping against regional realities and its performance thus far. Further, the article examines the more fundamental issue of the scope for convergence in the economic integration processes in South and Southeast Asia. In the light of evidence to indicate that inter-sub-regional economic integration is feasible only in the long run, the article makes some recommendations for the BIMSTEC to remain relevant to the region.
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