Bangladesh and Chile have discussed opening resident diplomatic missions in each other's capitals as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and economic cooperation.
The issue came up during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna in Manila on Friday, on the sidelines of events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued on Saturday.
The two foreign ministers noted the significant potential to increase 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 opportunities to expand Bangladeshi exports to the Chilean market, including readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, and leather products.
Rahman proposed exchanges of business delegations to identify new trade and investment opportunities and strengthen private-sector engagement.
The Chilean foreign minister also expressed his interest in visiting Bangladesh.
The meeting reflected the two countries' shared interest in deepening diplomatic engagement while exploring new avenues for trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
