Following the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh’s only mission in South America, Bangladesh Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil has observed the five-day economic diplomacy week from 5-10 June, 2022 with a view to uphold the recent achievements and current economic developments of Bangladesh.
Her Excellency Ms Sadia Faizunnesa, Ambassador of Bangladesh in Brazil led a Bangladeshi business delegation to Rio de Janeiro for talks with reputed business leaders from the Brazilian pharmaceuticals and RMG sectors on 6th June. During the meeting, the achievements and capabilities of Bangladesh in the pharmaceuticals sector were highlighted. Sir Jorge Raymond Philho, a pioneer in the Brazilian pharmaceuticals sector, was present at the event. He praised the quality of pharmaceuticals and readymade garments products of Bangladesh.
With an aim of economic development and mutual cooperation, the first Honorary Consulate of Bangladesh in Brazil was inaugurated on June 07, 2022 in Kurichiba, the capital of Parana which is one of the most important province for the Brazilian economy. At this time the national flag of Bangladesh was hoisted and the national anthem was played. Prominent personalities of Parana were present on the occasion. There are a total of 41 honorary consulates of different countries in Kurichiba. The seaport of Parana is the second busiest port in Brazil . This port can plays a significant role in enhancing import-export trade with Bangladesh, especially in the import of edible soybean oil. Her Excellency the Ambassador held important meetings on 8th June with H. E. Mr. Darci Piana, Governor of Parana and highlighted Bangladesh’s growing economic potential. She requested for investment in Bangladesh in a separate meeting on June 8 with the president and vice-president of the Commerce Federation (FECOMMERCIO) to mitigate the trade deficit between both the countries. In addition to various initiatives of the current export-friendly government, she also invited Brazilian businessmen to visit and invest in Export Processing Zone(EPZ) through liaison with the Bangladesh Investment Authority.
An introductory meeting was held between the Ambassador and the authority of Parana’s Co-operative Department (OCEPAR) with a view to make arrangements of direct export of edible soybean oil to Bangladesh on a regular basis. Primarily, the Oseper authorities expressed their positive attitude in this regard and agreed to discuss the issues later at technical level.
On 9th June, the Ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Kurichiba and discussed to keep the two countries’ cultural diplomacy alive through cultural exchanges. In another programme with undergraduate and graduate level students of the University of Curitiba, Her Excellency shared Bangladesh’s glorious history of liberation. She also upheld how Bangladesh is playing a vital role at any development issues including climate change in the global and multilateral forum under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. At that time the students expressed their keen interest about Bangladesh. Third Secretary and Head of Chancery of the Bangladesh Embassy Mr. Fuad Hasan Parag and newly appointed Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Parana Mr. Marcelo Grendel attended the first Economic Diplomacy Week. This economic diplomacy week will play a significant role in increasing efficient communication between the two country’s business forums and will accelerate trade and investment.
