This main aim of study was to assess the empirical relationship between exports and GDP for BIMSTEC nations by using annual data for the period from 1997- 98 to 2012-13. Time-series data was used for testing econometric techniques (Granger causality and cointegration) for the assessment of hypothesis of GDP strategy led by exports and exports led by GDP. BIMSTEC was proposed with the object to merge Thailand's 'Look West' policy and ASEAN with the 'Look East' policy of India and South Asia. The results explained the evidence of uni-directional causality between GDP and exports among the BIMSTEC bloc. The results support the growth-led exports in case of BIMSTEC. For making BIMSTEC a "vibrant regional entity," there is need to revitalize coastal shipping preparations and inter-modal transport, practices for easy flow of goods and services.

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