In a significant push for regional cooperation, Professor Mahendra P Lama, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform trade and transport connectivity in Eastern South Asia. In his latest paper titled “Strengthening Trade and Transport Connectivity in Eastern South Asia”, published by UNESCAP in March 2025, Lama identifies the lack of efficient infrastructure and outdated border systems as key barriers to regional integration between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN).
Lama emphasizes that despite shared borders and historical ties, the region faces high trade costs, poor road and rail networks, and complicated customs procedures. “It is often cheaper to trade with distant countries than with neighbours,” he writes.
To address this, the paper recommends building economic corridors, modernising customs with digital platforms, and harmonising trade regulations. Highlighting the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala and Delhi-Kathmandu-Birgunj routes as high-potential corridors, Lama calls for coordinated efforts through forums like BBIN and BIMSTEC.