History
From a visionary concept in the early 1990s to a mature sub-regional framework today, BIMP-EAGA's journey reflects the commitment of four ASEAN nations to inclusive development and cross-border cooperation.
The Founding Principles
BIMP-EAGA was conceived as a response to the need for more focused development attention to the resource-rich but economically lagging regions in the eastern part of Southeast Asia. The initiative aimed to leverage geographic proximity, shared resources, and complementary economic strengths to accelerate growth.
Year of Establishment
Member Countries
Years of Cooperation
Key Milestones
Official Launch
The BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting in Davao City, Philippines, officially launched the sub-regional cooperation framework. Leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines signed the founding agreement, committing to accelerate development in their eastern regions.
BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Centre
Establishment of the BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Centre in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, to serve as the secretariat and coordination hub for sub-regional activities and projects.
First BIMP-EAGA Summit
Heads of Government convened for the First BIMP-EAGA Summit in Brunei Darussalam, elevating political commitment and strategic direction for the sub-region.
Roadmap to Development
Adoption of the BIMP-EAGA Roadmap to Development (2006-2010), providing a structured framework for priority projects in connectivity, food security, environment, and tourism.
Implementation Blueprint 2012-2016
Launch of the Implementation Blueprint focusing on infrastructure connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, and sustainable resource management.
BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025
Adoption of BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 (BEV 2025) at the 4th BIMP-EAGA Summit in Manila, setting ambitious goals for a Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Economically competitive sub-region.
COVID-19 Response & Recovery
BIMP-EAGA countries coordinated responses to the pandemic, focusing on health cooperation, economic recovery, and resilience building across the sub-region.
30th Anniversary
Celebrating three decades of sub-regional cooperation with renewed commitment to green growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development pathways.
Early Years and Expansion
Initial Focus Areas
The early years of BIMP-EAGA focused on establishing institutional mechanisms, identifying flagship projects, and building trust among member countries. Priority was given to:
- •Infrastructure connectivity (ports, airports, roads)
- •Tourism promotion and marketing
- •Agriculture and fisheries cooperation
- •Trade and investment facilitation
Evolution of Priorities
Over time, BIMP-EAGA expanded its focus to include environmental sustainability, digital connectivity, human resource development, and climate resilience. The framework evolved from a purely economic growth agenda to a more holistic sustainable development approach, aligning with global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement.
Development Partners
Throughout its history, BIMP-EAGA has benefited from partnerships with multilateral institutions including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), ASEAN Secretariat, and bilateral partners such as the Republic of Korea through initiatives like the BIMP-EAGA Korea Cooperation Fund (BKCF), which supports green growth and sustainable development projects across the sub-region.