Fourteen priority areas of cooperation have been identified and several BIMSTEC centres have been set up to focus on these sectors. [4] [7] A BIMSTEC free trade agreement is being negotiated (approximately 2018), also known as mini-SAARC. UNCTAD`s work programme on international investment agreements (IIAs) actively assists policy makers, government officials and other IIA stakeholders in reforming IIAs to make them more conducive to sustainable development and inclusive growth. International investment regimes operate at the bilateral, regional, interregional and multilateral levels. Policymakers, negotiators, civil society and other stakeholders need to be well informed about foreign direct investment, international investment agreements (IIAs) and their effects on sustainable development. . . .