Bangladesh, Argentina eye deeper trade ties in garments and cotton

Bangladesh and Argentina are strengthening their bilateral trade relationship, with a growing focus on garments and cotton. Argentine Ambassador Marcelo Carlos Cesa, during a recent visit to the International Chamber of Commerce - Bangladesh (ICCB) in Dhaka, underscored the potential for increased collaboration between the two nations.

Ambassador Cesa stressed the need for joint ventures and greater engagement between business and government delegations to identify trade and investment opportunities, especially in textiles and cotton. He noted that since Argentina reopened its embassy in Dhaka earlier this year, interest in Bangladesh’s market has grown substantially.

He further emphasised that high-level visits and sustained cooperation could accelerate export-import activities and foreign direct investment. ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman welcomed the renewed interest and highlighted Argentina’s strategic role in Bangladesh’s trade diversification efforts. He also recalled a 2019 visit by Argentina’s former Secretary for Agroindustry, Luis Miguel Etchevehere, which laid the groundwork for future cooperation in agriculture and agro-processing.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $765 million in 2022. Argentina mainly exports soybeans, corn, wheat, and cotton, while Bangladesh exports garments and pharmaceuticals. Both countries expressed strong intent to build institutional and business linkages in garments and cotton.