Bangladesh And Canada Discuss Ways to Increase Bilateral Trade

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir on Sunday (September 20). The state minister warmly welcomed the high commissioner.

During the meeting, they discussed how Bangladesh and Canada can work together to uphold multilateralism. They also expressed hope for high-level discussions during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The two sides discussed ways to increase bilateral trade. The discussions included diversifying trade beyond the ready-made garment sector into areas such as light engineering and machinery, as well as exchanging visits by business delegations from both countries. The state minister particularly highlighted the contributions of more than 100,000 Bangladeshis living in Canada.

He thanked Canada for its continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis. The high commissioner, meanwhile, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. In view of Bangladesh’s presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the state minister sought Canada’s support for climate leadership and climate finance.

The Canadian high commissioner also raised the possibility of developing a framework for cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector. Both sides also exchanged views on cooperation in the energy sector.