Dhaka: Bangladesh and Canada have explored the possibility of initiating a dialogue on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance trade relations between the two countries. This discussion took place during a meeting between Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Paul Thoppil and Foreign Secretary Md Jashum Uddin at the foreign ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a business delegation accompanied Thoppil, comprising representatives from notable Canadian companies such as Gildan, BlackBerry, Advantech, Bell Helicopter, JCM Power, and Export Development Canada. The Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation for Canada’s Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) market access for Bangladeshi exports and showed optimism about ongoing technical discussions on a Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA).
The meeting encompassed a wide range of bilateral issues, particularly focusing on trade, investment, and development cooperation. Foreign Secretary Md Jashum Uddin highlighted the economic reforms undertaken by the Bangladeshi government and encouraged Canadian investments in sectors like ICT, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and renewable energy.
Paul Thoppil acknowledged the government’s ongoing reforms and expressed a growing interest from Canadian companies in Bangladesh. Both sides welcomed the growth in bilateral trade, which has reached USD 3 billion. Thoppil emphasized that FIPA would play a crucial role in boosting confidence among Canadian investors.
Thoppil also praised the increasing people-to-people connections and the significant contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Canada. In response, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the need to simplify the student visa application process to facilitate educational exchange and skills development.
Additionally, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged Canada’s humanitarian support for the Rohingya community and called for international efforts to support their sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. This visit marks Thoppil’s second trip to Bangladesh, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to strengthening ties with the country.
The meeting was also attended by the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh.