CA seeks Dhaka-Ottawa stronger investment ties

Canada's Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Paul Thoppil today (6 May) called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and expand investment opportunities.

Thoppil, on his second official visit to Bangladesh, is leading a high-level business delegation comprising senior executives from some of Canada's most recognisable companies, including Bell Helicopter, BlackBerry, Gildan Activewear, JCM Power, and Advantech Wireless Communications.

"We believe in Bangladesh's economic potential," said Thoppil, "That's why I've brought business delegates with me - because we want to build stronger commercial ties."

He commended the reform initiatives taken under Prof Yunus's leadership, describing them as bold and necessary.

"You've assembled an impressive advisory team," the trade representative said. 

"We see clear signs of progress. The reforms your government has initiated are laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth, and Canada values its relationship with Bangladesh," he said.

In response, Prof Yunus said: "We're trying to clean up a mess - what we inherited was a disaster. It felt like a 15-year-long earthquake. Despite the impossible odds, we are making steady progress through serious reforms. And to move forward, we need friends like you by our side."

The Chief Adviser extended a warm invitation to Canadian investors, stressing Bangladesh's readiness for industrial expansion and its potential as a regional export hub.

"You can invest here, produce here, and re-export to other markets from here," he said.

"We're prepared to train our people and partner with Canadian businesses. Canada is always welcome in Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said.

Principal Coordinator on SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.

The Canadian delegation included Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh; Debra Boyce, Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada; William Dickey, Commercial Sales Manager at Bell Helicopter; Brad Colwell, Head of Government Solutions at BlackBerry; Ladislaua Papara, South Asia Chief Representative for Export Development Canada; Juan Contreras, Vice President of Gildan Activewear; Md. Ali, Regional Director Asia at JCM Power; and Tony Radford, Vice President of Global Sales at Advantech Wireless Communications.