Staff Reporter :
The first consignment of high quality Potash from Canada reached Chittagong Seaport on Monday.
This potash was imported as part of a $44 million government-to-government (G to G) contract between the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and the Canadian Commercial Corporation.
Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Benoît-Pierre Laramée on Monday welcomed the shipment of Canadian potash on board the ship MV Ultra Lanigan in Chittagong Seaport.
“The imported potash will help Bangladeshi farmers increase productivity, reduce costs and contribute to the national food security of Bangladesh,” the High Commissioner said, adding that Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in increasing its agricultural output and productivity. “I’m proud that Canadian potash will contribute to this continuing success. This is a great example of how trade can be a benefit to both our countries,” he said.
The diplomat said Canada has been providing potash to Bangladesh since 1973 and since then, nearly 1 million tonnes have been shipped and he is hopeful that “We will cross that bar soon”.
Earlier on May 21, 2015, Bangladesh signed $44 million G to G deal with Canada to import potash fertiliser.
Canadian Commercial Corporation, the Government of Canada’s international G to G contracting organisation, signed the contract with Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC).
Canada resumed potash export to Bangladesh by a G to G contract in 2014 after many years.
Canada has 46 per cent of global potash reserves and one of the world’s largest producers of potash, accounting for 30 per cent of the global production.
