Bangladesh plans to go beyond the traditional export markets and establish new politico-cultural and economic relations with Latin America, which Bangladesh thinks could be a prospective market for exports.

Bangladesh sees Latin America not only as a market for its exports, but also as a valued partner with whom its people could share its culture, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said yesterday.

He spoke while addressing a seminar titled "Bangladesh's relations with Latin American countries: unlocking potential".

One resident and eight non-resident envoys from Latin American countries attended the daylong seminar co-organised by the foreign ministry and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies or BIISS.

"We are eyeing the large Latin American market for our pharmaceuticals, leathers, ceramic wares, plastic and melamine goods, IT products and services, jute products and handicrafts, agricultural products and services," Alam said.

Bangladesh wants to explore new areas of cooperation with all the countries of the region, he said.

Garment exports from Bangladesh to Latin American countries have shown a healthy growth in the last few years, he said.

The state minister invited investments in infrastructure, energy, information and communication technology and automobile from Latin American countries.

Alam said Bangladesh's relationship with Latin America is not only centred around issues and matters of bilateral interests and benefits but also about seizing the growing opportunities for cooperation and collaboration on contemporary global importance and development.

BIISS Chairman Munshi Faiz Ahmad moderated the inaugural session while Director General AKM Abdur Rahman also spoke.