The foreign ministry has written to the finance ministry, explaining the rationale and seeking approval for establishing the three consulates.
Infographic: TBS
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Infographic: TBS
The government has decided to establish three new consulates general in Guangzhou, China; Frankfurt, Germany; and São Paulo, Brazil. The decision was conveyed in a letter issued by the Policy and Organisation Wing of the foreign ministry on 31 August.
The foreign ministry has written to the finance ministry, explaining the rationale and seeking approval for establishing the three consulates.
It also requested that the necessary new posts, vehicles and other office equipment be incorporated into organisational structures.
The ministry said the public administration ministry has already given the necessary approval for the initiative. The Business Standard has obtained a copy of the letter.
In the letter, the foreign ministry said Guangzhou, Frankfurt and São Paulo each hold particular strategic importance for Bangladesh’s diplomatic, commercial and consular interests.
“In view of the current geopolitical realities in the international arena, initiatives have been taken to establish new consulates general in the three cities, considering their diplomatic, economic and commercial importance, with the aim of safeguarding national interests through appropriate representation and upholding the country’s image,” the ministry said.
It also identified improving services for expatriate Bangladeshis and expanding trade and investment opportunities as key objectives.
Economic and commercial significance
Officials from the finance and foreign ministries said the decision to establish a consulate general in Guangzhou is particularly significant in terms of expanding Bangladesh’s political, economic and diplomatic engagement with China.
Guangzhou is one of southern China’s major ports and commercial centres. The region has a significant presence of Bangladeshi businesspeople, students and expatriates, while it also has important trade links with Bangladesh, including in readymade garments and other products.
The foreign ministry said Bangladesh already has missions in Beijing and Kunming. However, because of the considerable distance from Guangzhou, it is not possible for these two missions to adequately oversee activities in the city.
Frankfurt: expanding engagement with Europe
Although Bangladesh already has a mission in Berlin, the government is now seeking to establish another consular presence in Frankfurt.
As one of Europe’s major financial and business centres, Frankfurt offers an opportunity for Bangladesh to establish more direct links with European businesses and investors.
Germany is one of Bangladesh’s major export markets, while the European Union is Bangladesh’s largest export destination. Bilateral trade in goods between Bangladesh and Germany stood at around €9 billion in 2024.
São Paulo: expanding diplomatic footprint in Latin America
Brazil is one of South America’s largest economies and an important member of Brics. Political engagement between Dhaka and Brasília has also increased in recent years.
As Brazil’s principal industrial and commercial centre, São Paulo could provide Bangladesh with greater commercial access to the Latin American market and help institutionalise political and multilateral cooperation with Brazil, the foreign ministry said in its letter.
It could also create greater scope for Bangladesh to expand diplomatic engagement on issues involving Brics and the Global South.
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