Bangladesh plans new diplomatic mission in Guyana

The government has announced plans to establish a new diplomatic mission in Guyana, one of South America's fastest-growing economies, officials said.

Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a portion of Bangladesh's overseas diplomatic staff will be temporarily posted to the capital, Georgetown, to initiate operations.

The decision was taken at the regular meeting of the Chief Adviser's council on Thursday, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters.

Initially, a small-scale mission will be formed under the leadership of a First Secretary or Counsellor, with the mission head serving as Charge d'Affaires. The government plans to start operations quickly by setting up an office in Georgetown.

Shafiqul Alam said Bangladesh currently maintains diplomatic missions in around 48–49 countries, along with limited operations in a few other nations. The new mission in Guyana aims to leverage the country's rapidly expanding economy to create opportunities for Bangladeshi workers and investors.

Guyana has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing economies. The discovery of significant oil and gas reserves in recent years has accelerated economic activity, with the country recording a GDP growth of nearly 50% last year, a rate considered unprecedented globally.

"This economic surge has created strong demand for skilled workers, including doctors and engineers," Shafiqul Alam said. "Large-scale employment opportunities are also emerging in construction, services, and agriculture. In particular, Guyana's extensive arable land offers potential for Bangladesh to invest in agriculture."

Officials noted that Guyana has large tracts of land suitable for rice and sugarcane cultivation. Leasing these lands for agricultural production could provide significant benefits to Bangladesh, according to policymakers.

Shafiqul Alam added that the government sees the diplomatic presence in Guyana as a strategic move to access new labour markets and strengthen Bangladesh's economic diplomacy in South America.