The Bangladesh Mission in Dubai, one of the country's key diplomatic outposts, has failed to meet its export earnings target for the recently concluded 2024–25 fiscal year. Despite having 11 officials and a dedicated commercial wing tasked with boosting exports, the mission fell short of its $480 million target, generating only $351.22 million—27% below the goal. This figure also represents a 12.77% decline compared to the $403 million earned in 2023–24.
The Dubai mission is not alone. According to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), 42 out of Bangladesh’s 61 foreign missions failed to meet their export targets. Alarmingly, 21 of those missions also earned less than they did in the previous fiscal year. These include major posts in Geneva, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Jeddah, and Kathmandu.
Commercial wings—specialized branches set up in 20 of the missions to promote trade—have also underperformed. Seventeen of them failed to reach their targets, and eight generated lower export earnings than the previous year. These include commercial wings in major cities like Paris, London, Ottawa, and New Delhi.
Among the missions that both missed their targets and experienced a year-over-year drop in earnings are: Geneva, Tehran, Moscow, Dubai, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Jeddah, Beirut, Kathmandu, Dar es Salaam, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Manila, Tripoli, Muscat, Doha, Addis Ababa, Manama, Baghdad, and Amman.
Key missions in developed economies—including New York, Paris, London, Ottawa, Canberra, Singapore, and Tokyo—also failed to hit their export targets, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Bangladesh’s global trade outreach.
Experts cite several contributing factors. Geopolitical tensions, especially with neighboring India, have disrupted overland trade routes. Additionally, the potential imposition of a 35% tariff by the U.S. administration poses a new threat to Bangladesh's export sector.
EPB Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain acknowledged the challenges, stating that global instability has hindered performance but emphasized that missions are being encouraged to diversify their export portfolios. “We’ve advised missions to focus on alternative products in markets where traditional exports are struggling,” he said.
Despite falling short of the overall target, Hossain noted that total export earnings for 2024–25 were slightly higher than the previous year.
Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export) at the Ministry of Commerce, said action would be taken. “We will soon send letters to the underperforming missions seeking explanations. Based on their responses, we will review the situation and hold meetings to determine next steps.”
Bangladesh’s missions are expected to act as trade facilitators—connecting local exporters with foreign importers, identifying new market opportunities, and swiftly reporting trade challenges. The growing number of underperforming missions has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of this system.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
