Dhaka: Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Marcelo Carlos Cesa today emphasized the need for structured engagement between Bangladesh and Argentina, aiming to discover new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and sectoral development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ambassador highlighted these points during a meeting with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – Bangladesh at the ICCB office in the city. The envoy noted the potential observed in Bangladesh following the reopening of Argentina’s Embassy in Dhaka in 2023. He suggested that a high-level delegation exchange could delve into specific cooperation areas, especially in export-import activities and foreign direct investment.
The meeting, chaired by ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman, underscored Argentina’s increasing significance in Bangladesh’s trade diversification strategy. Rahman also reminisced about the 2019 visit by Luis Miguel Etchevehere, the then Government Secretary for Agroindustry of Argentina, which established the groundwork for future collaboration in agriculture and agro-processing.
ICCB Vice President A K Azad, Executive Board Members Abdul Hai Sarker, Kutubuddin Ahmed, DBL Group Managing Director M. A. Jabbar, and ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman also participated in the meeting. They supported the ambassador’s initiative and echoed the call for strengthening business-to-business and institution-to-institution connections between the two countries.
According to the latest figures, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Argentina reached US$765 million in 2022. Argentina’s key exports include soybeans, corn, wheat, and cotton, while Bangladesh mainly exports garments and pharmaceuticals.
The ambassador’s visit occurs as both nations are exploring joint ventures in energy, agribusiness, medical technology, and cotton trade. Additionally, cultural ties-such as Bangladesh’s enthusiastic support for the Argentine football team-are recognized as unique avenues for enhancing people-to-people connections.
With both parties committed to advancing the partnership, the meeting concluded with a shared vision of fostering a strong and diversified bilateral relationship in the future.
The meeting was also attended by Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Argentina Maximiliano Romanello, ICCB General Manager Ajay Bihari Saha, and Deputy General Manager Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika.