Lionel Messi and his team are likely to come to Dhaka to play a match in 2021 when Bangladesh will celebrate the centennial birth anniversary of its founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The issue was discussed between Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and new Argentine Ambassador Daniel Chuburu (based in New Delhi) when he called on the minister Thursday.
A press release issued by the foreign ministry said: “Bangladesh State Minister looked forward to receiving Argentine football team in Dhaka in 2021 to play a match marking the centennial Birth Anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”
They also discussed about trade cooperation as Bangladesh is keen to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South American trade bloc MERCOSUR at an early date to tap the under-exploited South American market.
Bangladesh has already submitted “Letter of Intent” to that effect to secure greater access for Bangladeshi products to a huge market of 300 million consumers across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Argentine Ambassador, whose country is the current President of this trade bloc, promised full cooperation in this regard.
He emphasized the need to promote the overall bilateral trade between the two countries.
In this context, he proposed to hold a regional workshop and seminar on agriculture and agro-business in Dhaka sometime soon to promote better cooperation and share Argentine skills and expertise in agricultural sector.
The Ambassador opined that such cooperation could go a long way in terms of ensuring food security.
The State Minister also sought Argentina’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the post of Deputy Director General of IOM. Argentine Ambassador promised to give it due consideration.
The Argentine Ambassador presented his credentials to President Md Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on April 10.