Economic Reporter :
Canada is very much keen to boost its bilateral trade relations with Bangladesh as it has expressed interest to have regular meetings and undertake mutual initiatives among the private sectors of both the countries.
This interest was shown at a meeting between Canadian High Commissioner to Dhaka Benoit Prefontaine and the leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) held at its office on Sunday. FBCCI President Md. Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin) and Senior Vice President Sheikh Fazle Fahim were present.
High Commissioner of Canada Benoit Prefontaine said that they value Bangladesh as a significant trade partner. “As the existing trade is not satisfactory, and much potential are untapped, Canada businessmen are coming to Bangladesh more than before to develop the bilateral trade,” he added.
The High Commissioner also emphasized on more vibrant activities of Canada-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce.
FBCCI President Shafiul Islam thanked the Canadian High Commissioner for their cooperation regarding duty free export facility of Bangladeshi RMG products to Canada.
Mentioning about the role of private sector in the fast-growing development activities of the country, he said, “FBCCI along with its member bodies are working with the government to ensure a conducive business environment in the country.”
The FBCCI President invited the Canadian businessmen to invest in potential sectors like leather, pharmaceuticals, ICT and tourism of the country taking the lucrative offers provided by Bangladesh government. Moreover, he mentioned that the Canadian investors can avail the opportunity of investing in the countrywide 100 Special Economic Zones. FBCCI Senior Vice President Sheikh Fazle Fahim sought technological and curriculum assistance of Canada to develop the ‘FBCCI Private Institute’ founded recently to build demand-driven human resources according to the present market. Sheikh Fahim also urged the Canadian High Commissioner to build working groups of business people to work on potentials sectors of both the countries. He also urged the Canadian businessmen to build awareness about the achievements of Bangladesh and its market.
A request from FBCCI was also placed at the meeting to review shifting of Canadian Visa Consular office to Dhaka.
Counsellor (Commercial Affairs) and Senior Trade Commissioner of High Commission of Canada Corinne Petrisor, Trade Commissioner of Canadian High Commission Md. Kamal Uddin also participated in the meeting.
