Staff Correspondent
A special dinner reception was hosted in Dhaka on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) on the occasion of the first high-level consultative meeting between Bangladesh and Uruguay aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The South America–themed event was organized by the Honorary Consulate of Uruguay in Dhaka and held at the rooftop of Crowne Plaza Hotel in Gulshan-2.
Speaking at the event, Uruguayan Honorary Consul Mustafa Quamrus Sobhan said the day marked a significant milestone in Bangladesh–Uruguay relations, as the first-ever high-level consultative meeting between the two countries was held earlier at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He noted that the meeting laid a strong foundation for expanding future political, diplomatic, and economic cooperation.
He stated that bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Uruguay currently stands at approximately USD 80 million. However, with Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the country will face new trade challenges. In this context, he emphasized the importance of entering into Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA) or Free Trade Agreements (FTA) to sustain and expand market access.
Mustafa Quamrus Sobhan further said that trade agreements with South American countries such as Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina would provide Bangladesh access to a combined market of nearly 500 million people, significantly enhancing export growth, foreign exchange earnings, and investment opportunities.
He also informed that Uruguay is set to assume the chairmanship of MERCOSUR—the South American regional trade bloc—in July this year. MERCOSUR comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia. Once goods enter Uruguay, they gain tariff-free access across the entire MERCOSUR region, presenting a strategic advantage for Bangladesh.
Uruguayan Ambassador to Bangladesh Alberto Guani said Uruguay considers Bangladesh an important partner and is keen to deepen political and diplomatic engagement between the two countries. He also mentioned the possibility of future state-level visits, which could further strengthen bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Argentine Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcelo Carlos Cesa highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Argentina and Uruguay. He welcomed Bangladesh’s growing interest in South America and expressed optimism that Bangladesh–Uruguay relations would continue to strengthen in the coming years.
The event was attended by diplomats, business leaders, policymakers, and distinguished guests. Among them was Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib, Editor of Business In Bangladesh. Speakers emphasized that such high-level interactions would play a crucial role in expanding trade, diplomacy, and regional cooperation between Bangladesh and South American nations.
