Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 28, 2025 (BSS) - Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Marcelo Carlos Cesa today laid emphasis on structured engagement between Bangladesh and Argentina to identify new avenues of collaboration in trade, investment, and sectoral development.

“After reopening our Embassy in Dhaka in 2023, we have already observed immense potential in Bangladesh. A high-level delegation exchange could further explore specific areas of cooperation, particularly in export-import and foreign direct investment,” he said.

The envoy said this in a meeting with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – Bangladesh, the world business organization, at ICCB office in the city.

The meeting was chaired by ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman, who highlighted Argentina’s growing relevance in Bangladesh’s trade diversification strategy. 

He also recalled the 2019 visit of Luis Miguel Etchevehere, the then Government Secretary for Agroindustry of Argentina, which laid the foundation for future cooperation in agriculture and agro-processing.

ICCB Vice President A K Azad, Executive Board Members Abdul Hai Sarker, Kutubuddin Ahmed, Managing Director of DBL Group M. A. Jabbar & ICCB Secretary General AtaurRahman also spoke at the meeting. 

They welcomed the ambassador’s initiative and echoed the call for deepening business-to-business and institution-to-institution linkages between the two nations.

According to the latest figures, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Argentina stood at US$765 million in 2022. Key Argentine exports include soybeans, corn, wheat, and cotton, while Bangladesh primarily exports garments and pharmaceuticals.

The ambassador’s visit comes at a time when both nations are exploring avenues for joint ventures, particularly in energy, agribusiness, medical technology, and cotton trade. Cultural ties-such as Bangladesh’s passionate support for the Argentine football team-are also seen as a unique bridge to foster closer people-to-people connections.

With both sides expressing commitment to advancing the partnership, the meeting concluded with a shared vision of fostering a robust and diversified bilateral relationship in the years to come.

The meeting was also attended by Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Argentina Maximiliano Romanello and ICCB General Manager Ajay Bihari Saha and Deputy General Manager Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika.