Romania Eyes Stronger Ties with Bangladesh, Focusing on Energy and Trade

Dhaka, July 30, 2025 – Romania is seeking to deepen its bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, with a particular emphasis on the energy sector, according to Romanian Ambassador to Bangladesh Sena Latif. In an interview with UNB, the ambassador highlighted the potential for cooperation in hydro, wind, and solar energy, alongside other key areas such as IT, communication, garments, and petrochemicals.

Ambassador Latif, who assumed her role as Romania’s Ambassador to India in November 2024 and is accredited to Bangladesh, presented her credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin and met with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam on Tuesday. She underscored Romania’s strategic location as a gateway to the European market, noting that using the Port of Constanta could save Bangladeshi exporters six days compared to shipping through Western ports like Rotterdam. “Entering Romania means entering the European market,” she said, emphasizing the potential for enhanced trade logistics.

The ambassador expressed optimism about the growing partnership, recalling that Romania was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, laying the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship. She highlighted the increasing presence of Bangladeshi workers in Romania, particularly in construction, hospitality, IT, and agriculture, as well as a rising number of Bangladeshi students pursuing education in the country. “One of our priorities is to facilitate visas and consular services while deepening trade relations,” she said.

Bangladesh has urged Romania to resume labor recruitment, with discussions focusing on opportunities in IT, construction, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, and medical sectors. Romanian businesses have expressed appreciation for Bangladeshi workers, and both sides are exploring ways to expand this collaboration. To boost trade, Ambassador Latif emphasized the importance of fostering connections between the chambers of commerce of both nations and organizing economic business delegations. She noted that bilateral trade has shown promising growth in recent years, with efforts underway to return to previous high levels. Bangladesh also proposed academic collaboration, including joint scholarships, degree recognition, and exchanges between universities to strengthen educational ties

The ambassador praised the role of Romania’s Honorary Consul in Dhaka, Enayetullah Khan, for his decades-long efforts in promoting bilateral relations, particularly in media, arts, and culture. She also highlighted Romania’s ongoing candidacy for accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), suggesting that Romania’s reform experiences could offer valuable lessons for Bangladesh as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026

During her visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, labor mobility, education, and consular services. Bangladesh highlighted opportunities for trade diversification and investment in sectors like ICT, renewable energy, and agro-processing, signaling a shared vision for a stronger, more dynamic partnership.