Manila: Bangladesh and Chile have discussed opening resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals and exploring a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and economic cooperation.
The issues were discussed during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Chilean counterpart Francisco Pérez Mackenna on the sidelines of the commemorative events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in Manila on Friday, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers acknowledged the significant potential for expanding bilateral trade and agreed in principle to explore the possibility of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement between Bangladesh and Chile.
They also discussed Bangladesh’s potential import of critical minerals from Chile and opportunities to increase exports of Bangladeshi products to the Chilean market, including readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods and leather products.
To further strengthen commercial ties, Dr Khalilur Rahman proposed the exchange of business delegations between the two countries to identify new trade and investment opportunities and enhance private-sector collaboration.
The Chilean foreign minister also expressed his interest in visiting Bangladesh in the near future.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both countries to deepen diplomatic engagement while exploring new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment and broader economic partnership.
