BIMP-EAGA was established in 1994 to promote business development throughout the region. Tourism was seen as the seeding development focus, to draw with it other business investments and activities. The principle goals are to create jobs, income and an improved quality of life.

The BIMP-EAGA region has century old traditional trading links. The relatively recent development of nations and national boundaries has superimposed barriers to these historical trading routes, and the cross-cultural pollination which helped create it's unique character. BIMP-EAGA has established working groups and special co-operative relationships amongst the member nations. These relationships and regular working group interactions aim to reduce trade and commerce limitations, and find ways to encourage open business and tourism development that benefits the entire sub-region.

BIMP-EAGA is rich in human, natural, cultural and environmental resources. The diversity and uniqueness makes the area an exciting destination for visitors and business development.

Brunei Darussalam, being the only nation with it's territory solely in BIMP-EAGA, was chosen as the principle communication and transport focal point. Brunei's national air carrier - Royal Brunei Airlines - is the only national airline with its nation's capital city in BIMP-EAGA, and therefore, direct connections to and from BIMP-EAGA to the rest of the world.