DHAKA Bangladesh and Brazil have expressed strong interest in elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership as the two Global South nations seek to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology and institutional engagement.
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir held talks with Brazilian President’s foreign affairs chief adviser Celso Amorim at Palácio do Planalto on Friday, according to an official release received here today.
During the meeting, both sides underscored the need to transform the existing friendly relations into a strategic partnership, reflecting the growing convergence between Bangladesh and Brazil as emerging voices of the Global South.
The two leaders noted that bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Brazil has already reached nearly US$4 billion, but said the current volume remains far below the actual potential of the two economies.
Kobir said the economies of the two countries are complementary and can emerge as stronger economic partners through direct shipping links, enhanced investment flows and stronger business-to-business connectivity.
He stressed the need to reduce dependence on intermediaries in bilateral trade, noting that Bangladesh currently imports cotton, soybeans, sugar, agricultural commodities and industrial raw materials from Brazil, while substantial opportunities remain for Bangladeshi exports of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, jute goods and ceramic products.
Amorim conveyed greetings and congratulations from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the leadership and people of Bangladesh and described Bangladesh as an important emerging voice of the Global South.
The two sides also discussed the upcoming Foreign Office Consultations expected after Brazil’s general elections later this year and expressed optimism that several agreements and institutional frameworks covering agriculture, technology, healthcare, education, sports, investment, energy and innovation would be finalized during the consultations.
Kobir said Bangladesh’s foreign policy would continue to be guided by the principles of equality, dignity, mutual respect and balanced engagement.
He said Bangladesh remains committed to peace, stability and shared prosperity in South Asia and to revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in the interest of regional peace, economic cooperation and integrated development.
Amorim said both Bangladesh and Brazil, as influential voices of the Global South, could play an important role in establishing a fair, multipolar and inclusive international order.
He also emphasized expanding technical and technological cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation, public health, industrial innovation and defence research.
