Bangladesh and Chile have agreed to explore opening full diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals, signalling a fresh drive to expand South-South economic ties and secure essential supply chains for materials.
The discussions took place on Friday during a high-level bilateral meeting between Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna.
Both leaders met on the sidelines of the commemorative events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in Manila.
Central to the discussions was the potential for trade expansion between the two nations, with particular focus on securing access to Chile’s vast reserves of critical minerals.
For Bangladesh, securing reliable flows of these vital energy and industrial raw materials is increasingly considered key to powering its growing manufacturing base and supporting long-term economic development.
Alongside discussions on raw materials, both ministers agreed in principle to examine the feasibility of a bilateral free trade agreement. Such a pact could widen opportunities for Bangladeshi exports, notably readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, and electrical equipment, into the South American market.
Khalilur Rahman proposed initiating exchanges between business delegations from both countries to pinpoint fresh investment avenues and encourage closer private-sector collaboration.
In turn, Pérez Mackenna expressed a keen interest in making an official visit to Dhaka in the near future.
If formalised, the establishment of resident embassies in Dhaka and Santiago would represent a substantial step forward in institutionalising ties between the South Asian and South American nations, providing a steady foundation for broader trade and energy cooperation.
