Bangladesh, Canada discuss initiating dialogue on FTA

Bangladesh Canada have discussed the possibility of initiating dialogue on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the near future to boost extensive trade relations between the two countries.

The discussion was taken place when Canada's visiting Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Paul Thoppil with a business delegation met Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry here yesterday (5 May), said a ministry's press release this morning.

The business delegation included representatives from Gildan, BlackBerry, Advantech, Bell Helicopter, JCM Power, and Export Development Canada.

During the meeting, the foreign secretary appreciated Canada's DFQF market access for Bangladeshi exports and expressed optimism about the ongoing technical discussions on a Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA).

The meeting covered a wide range of bilateral issues in particular trade, investment, and development cooperation.

Highlighting the multipronged economic reforms by the Government, the foreign secretary encouraged Canadian investments in potential sectors such as ICT, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and renewable energy.

Appreciating the government's ongoing reforms, Paul expressed growing interest in Canadian Companies in Bangladesh.

Both sides welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade amounting to $3 billion. Echoing the same, Paul Thoppil added that FIPA would play a critical role in boosting confidence among Canadian investors.

Paul overwhelmingly appreciated the growing people-to-people connections and vibrant role of the Bangladeshi community in Canada.

On this note, the foreign secretary stressed the need to simplify the student visa application process to facilitate educational exchange and skills development.

The foreign secretary appreciated Canada's humanitarian support for Rohingya and called for mobilizing international support for their sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
This marks Paul's second visit to Bangladesh reaffirming Canada's growing engagement with Bangladesh.

High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Ajit Singh was also present at the meeting.