Bangladesh, Chile Discuss Opening Resident Diplomatic Missions to Boost Trade and Economic Cooperation

Bangladesh and Chile have discussed opening resident diplomatic missions in each other's capitals as part of efforts to expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna on the sidelines of an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia in Manila on Friday.

According to a press release issued by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, the two foreign ministers highlighted the significant potential for increasing. Rahman proposed exchanging business delegations to identify new investment and trade opportunities and to strengthen private-sector engagement bilateral trade and agreed in principle to explore the possibility of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

The meeting also focused on prospects for importing critical minerals from Chile and expanding Bangladesh's exports to the Chilean market, including ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, and leather products.

Dr. Rahman proposed exchanging business delegations to identify new investment and trade opportunities and to strengthen private-sector engagement between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Chilean foreign minister also expressed his intention to visit Bangladesh in the near future.

The discussions reflected the shared commitment of both countries to deepen diplomatic engagement and explore new avenues for trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation.