President seeks more Canadian investment

Collected Photo

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sought more Canadian investment in Bangladesh, particularly in agriculture, food security, fertiliser, IT, outsourcing and other key sectors.

He made the call when Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Tuesday (October 6), President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam said.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner, on behalf of Canadian Governor General Louise Arbour, handed over a congratulatory letter to the President on assuming office. The President thanked him for the letter.

Fakhrul praised Canada’s longstanding democratic tradition and sought its cooperation in institutionalising democracy in Bangladesh.

“The government is facing difficulties due to the long absence of democracy and parliamentary practices, and it has begun necessary reform activities to institutionalise democracy,” he said.

The High Commissioner said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Canada had exceeded C$4 billion annually, adding that there was further scope for expanding trade.

The President also sought greater Canadian cooperation in education, particularly technical education, technology, nursing and medical fields.

The High Commissioner informed the President about the upcoming visit of Canada’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs to Bangladesh.

He also highlighted Canada’s support for the Rohingya issue, saying Ottawa had so far provided around $600 million in assistance.

The President thanked the Canadian government for its continued support and urged Canada to play an effective role in creating international pressure for the voluntary and safe return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The President also noted that more than one lakh Bangladeshis are contributing to Canada’s development.

The President’s secretaries and senior Foreign Ministry officials were present at the meeting. Canada’s Political Counsellor Marcus Devies was also present.