Bangladesh, Chile discuss opening resident diplomatic missions
Bangladesh and Chile have discussed opening resident
diplomatic missions in each other's capitals as part of efforts to deepen
bilateral relations and expand economic and trade cooperation.
The issue was discussed during a
bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Chilean
counterpart Francisco Pérez Mackenna in Manila today (25 July) on the sidelines
of the commemorative activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of
Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) yesterday, said a foreign
ministry press release here today.
During the meeting, the two foreign
ministers noted the considerable potential for substantially increasing
bilateral trade and agreed, in principle, to explore the possibility of a free
trade agreement between the two countries.
They also discussed the import of critical minerals from Chile and prospects
for expanding exports of Bangladeshi products, including readymade garments,
pharmaceuticals, electrical goods and leather products, to the Chilean market.
Rahman suggested exchanges of
business delegations between the two countries to identify new investment and
trade opportunities and strengthen private-sector engagement.
The Chilean foreign minister also
expressed his desire to visit Bangladesh soon.
The meeting reflected the two
countries' interest in strengthening diplomatic engagement while exploring new
avenues for trade, investment and economic cooperation.
