Bangladesh–Romania relations

Bangladesh–Romania relations are the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Romania. The two countries share friendly diplomatic ties, which have evolved since the early 1970s. Over the years, cooperation has developed in areas such as trade, education, labor migration, and multilateral diplomacy.^[1][2][3] Bangladesh has an embassy in Bucharest. Romania has a non resident ambassador in New Delhi.

Romania was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh's independence, formally establishing diplomatic relations on 29 June 1972. Bangladesh opened its embassy in Bucharest in 1973, which operated until 1995. Romania maintained an embassy in Dhaka until 1997. In July 2020, Bangladesh reopened its embassy in Bucharest, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. ^[1]

In October 2020, Bangladesh reopened its embassy in Bucharest, Romania, which marked a key step toward revitalizing diplomatic engagement.^[4]

In October 2022, Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu held political consultations with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. It was the most significant high-level diplomatic contact in the last three decades between the two nations. During the visit, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to hold regular political consultations between their respective foreign ministries.^[4]

In February 2025, Shahnaz Gazi presented her credentials as the new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Romania, signaling a renewed effort to bolster bilateral relations and economic cooperation between the two nations.^[5][6]

Economic relations between Bangladesh and Romania have been growing steadily over the past few decades. Both countries have expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation across various sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, agro-industrial development, skilled labor migration, and the blue economy.^[7]

Romania has pledged support for Bangladesh’s efforts to retain its Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade privileges within the European Union, which facilitates duty-free access to European markets for Bangladeshi goods. Such collaboration highlights the countries’ shared goals in strengthening bilateral economic frameworks and fostering long-term partnerships.^[4]

In February 2025, the newly appointed Bangladeshi ambassador to Romania, Shahnaz Gazi, presented her credentials in Bucharest, emphasizing a renewed commitment to deepen bilateral relations and economic engagement.^[8]

Romania has expressed interest in expanding bilateral trade to USD $200 million, highlighting opportunities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agro-industry, textiles, and infrastructure. Romanian companies have shown interest in investing in Bangladesh’s hydropower sector, particularly through the construction of mini hydroelectric plants, given Bangladesh’s extensive river systems. Romania has also offered its expertise in refinery modernization, particularly in enhancing operations at the Eastern Refinery Limited.^[4]

Additionally, Romania a major wheat producer has explored the possibility of supplying wheat to Bangladesh, especially in light of disruptions in Ukrainian exports due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.^[4]

The Port of Constanța, the largest port on the Black Sea, has been proposed by Romania as a potential logistics hub for Bangladeshi exports to Central and Eastern Europe, which could reduce shipping time and cost, and strengthen regional trade connectivity.^[4]

Romania has approved the recruitment of up to 100,000 foreign workers, including Bangladeshis, in sectors such as construction, agriculture, hospitality, and services.^[9] The Romanian government has expressed concerns about the exploitation of Bangladeshi workers by middlemen and has called for a Government-to-Government (G2G) mechanism to ensure safer and more transparent labor migration.^[4]

While Bangladeshi workers are generally well received in Romania, challenges remain regarding training and language skills. Some workers have reportedly attempted to use Romania as a transit route to other parts of Europe through irregular channels. The Romanian side emphasizes the need for proper regulation and pre-departure training to avoid such issues.^[4]

Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Romania has witnessed significant growth in recent years. According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Bangladesh exported goods worth approximately USD $104 million to Romania in 2023, up from USD $41.9 million in 2018, representing an average annual growth rate of nearly 20%.^[10]

Major exports from Bangladesh to Romania include:

• Knit T-shirts – USD 17.3 million
• Knit Sweaters – USD 16.2 million
• Knit Women’s Suits – USD 10.2 million
• Knit [Men’s Suits – USD 8.4 million
• Knit Women’s Undergarment – USD 5.7 million
• Knit Men’s Undergarments – USD 4.4 million

Other export categories include footwear, vegetables, fish, and electrical components.^[11]

Cultural and educational exchanges have also been a part of Bangladesh–Romania relations. In 2022, over 600 Bangladeshi students arrived in Romania to pursue higher education in various universities.^[12][13] This academic exchange contributes to the growing Bangladeshi community in Romania and fosters mutual understanding between the two nations.^[1][14]

In December 2022, a reception was hosted in Dhaka to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Bangladesh and the 104th Independence Day of Romania.^[15] The event included an exclusive exhibition showcasing artworks by Romanian and Bangladeshi artists, highlighting the cultural ties between the two countries.^[16][17]