In-house Seminar

This in-house seminar provides a critical assessment of the role and effectiveness of economic diplomacy within Bangladesh's broader foreign policy framework. As Bangladesh pursues its ambitious development goals, including Vision 2041, the use of diplomatic tools to achieve economic objectives has become increasingly central. This discussion will evaluate how effectively Bangladesh has integrated its economic interests—such as promoting exports, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), securing development finance, and ensuring market access—into its diplomatic engagements. The session will review the performance of Bangladesh's diplomatic missions abroad in their commercial and economic functions, assessing their capacity and strategies for identifying opportunities and overcoming challenges in foreign markets.

The seminar will analyze the coherence between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other key economic ministries, such as Commerce, Finance, and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), to ensure a unified and effective national approach. Key case studies will be examined, including the negotiation of trade agreements, efforts to diversify export markets beyond traditional partners, and the diplomatic push to attract investment in priority sectors like infrastructure and energy. The discussion will also cover the challenges, including the need for specialized training for diplomats in trade and investment promotion, navigating complex international trade regulations, and responding to global economic shocks. The objective is to reflect on past successes and failures and to formulate strategic recommendations for strengthening Bangladesh's economic diplomacy apparatus. This will ensure that the country’s foreign policy is optimally aligned to support its journey towards becoming a developed nation, effectively leveraging international relationships for tangible economic gains for its people.