The Bangladesh government has decided to establish three new consulates general in Guangzhou, China; Frankfurt, Germany; and São Paulo, Brazil.
The Foreign Ministry announced the decision in a letter issued by its Policy and Organisation Wing on 31 August. It has also asked the Finance Ministry to approve the establishment of the three consulates.
In addition, the ministry has requested new posts, vehicles and office equipment for the missions. The Ministry of Public Administration has already approved the initiative, according to the letter obtained by The Business Standard.
The Foreign Ministry said the three cities have strategic importance for Bangladesh’s diplomatic, economic and commercial interests.
The new consulates will also improve services for Bangladeshi expatriates. At the same time, they will help expand trade and investment opportunities.
The proposed Guangzhou consulate will strengthen Bangladesh’s political, economic and diplomatic engagement with China.
Guangzhou is a major port and commercial centre in southern China. The city and surrounding region also have a large community of Bangladeshi businesspeople, students and expatriates.
Moreover, the region maintains important trade links with Bangladesh, including trade in readymade garments and other products.
Bangladesh currently operates missions in Beijing and Kunming. However, the Foreign Ministry said the distance from Guangzhou makes it difficult for these missions to oversee activities in the city effectively.
Therefore, a consulate in Guangzhou would provide a closer diplomatic presence and improve access to consular services.
Bangladesh already has a mission in Berlin. However, the government now plans to establish a separate consular presence in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt is one of Europe’s major financial and business centres. As a result, the new consulate could help Bangladesh build closer links with European businesses and investors.
Germany is also one of Bangladesh’s major export markets. Meanwhile, the European Union remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination.
Bilateral trade in goods between Bangladesh and Germany stood at around €9 billion in 2024.
The proposed São Paulo consulate will expand Bangladesh’s diplomatic and commercial engagement with Brazil and the wider Latin American region.
Brazil is one of South America’s largest economies and a member of BRICS. In recent years, political engagement between Dhaka and Brasília has also increased.
São Paulo is Brazil’s main industrial and commercial centre. Therefore, a consulate there could give Bangladesh greater access to the Latin American market.
The Foreign Ministry also said the mission could strengthen political and multilateral cooperation with Brazil. This includes engagement on issues involving BRICS and the Global South.
Overall, the three new consulates will expand Bangladesh’s diplomatic presence in key commercial centres. They will also improve consular services for expatriates while supporting the country’s trade and investment interests.
Contact us for a comprehensive understanding of the investment landscape in Bangladesh
