Argentina to boost economic trade ties with Bangladesh

Diplomatic Correspondent: Visiting Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andrés Cafiero yesterdayhoped that the economic, trade and business collaboration will go up between his country and Bangladesh following reopening of the Embassy of Argentina in Dhaka.
He expressed this optimism while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban last morning.
PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting. Argentina is very much happy with reopening its embassy in Dhaka, said the Argentine foreign minister, extending thanks to Hasina for her quick action.
He hoped that the economic, trade and business collaboration between the two countries will be enhanced, as well as the friendship will be strengthened further with reopening the embassy.
“There is enough scope to enhance cooperation between our two countries,” Santiago Cafiero was quoted as saying.
Argentina first opened its embassy here in Dhaka in 1974 but it was closed in 1978 by the military junta that ruled the country at the time.
The Argentina Embassy was reopened in Dhaka’s Banani area on Monday. The PM said Bangladesh is very much eager to enhance the relations with Argentina.
“There is a huge scope to enhance trade and tourism between Bangladesh and Argentina,” she was quoted as telling the minister.
Argentina can import garments, pharmaceutical items, jute and jute goods, leathers and leather goods from Bangladesh, she suggested.
Bangladesh mainly imports edible oil particularly soybean oil, animal and vegetable fats , oil seeds, fruits, grains, dairy products, bird eggs and natural honey.
“We can collaborate between the two countries in the fields of sports, education and culture,” she said, seeking cooperation from Argentina for the development of Bangladesh football.
PM Hasina said the whole world is going through sufferings caused by the impacts of the Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, economic sanctions and counter-sanctions.
Not only Bangladesh, but also many developed countries are suffering as the prices of food items and inflation went high significantly in the world, she said.
In this context, she thinks that the sufferings of the people can be eased through enhancing cooperation and relations among friendly countries.
The PM said Bangladesh has put emphasis on raising the food production and setting up 100 special economic zones to generate employment, developing infrastructures and connectivity with neighbouring countries. Now Bangladesh is a marketing hub in South Asia, she added.
In this context, the visiting minister said the Argentine people are also suffering from high inflation induced by the war and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Talking about climate, he said the relations among the member states of the global south forum to fight the climate change.
He praised the role of PM Hasina in fighting climate change.
Appreciating the development of Bangladesh, he said “We are highly impressed seeing the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.”
Noting that it is his first visit to Bangladesh, the Argentine foreign minister said he never thought that Bangladesh would be so beautiful.
PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, Secretary (West) at the Foreign Ministry Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and non-resident Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Hugo Gobbi were present.
On Monday, Argentine FM Santiago Cafiero arrived in Dhaka to inaugurate his country’s new embassy here and hold talks on deepening bilateral trade and cultural relations.