Dhaka touts Mirsarai economic potential, urges Canadian invest

Bangladesh made a call on Canadian investors to tap into its expanding industrial and renewable energy sectors, with Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin urging Canadian businesses to consider the Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram as a strategic investment destination.

The proposal was made during a meeting with a Canadian Indo-Pacific trade delegation led by Trade Representative Paul Thoppil at the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday. The two sides discussed measures to deepen bilateral trade and economic engagement.

Bashir Uddin emphasized that the Mirsarai zone offers long-term land leases ideal for industrial development and that such infrastructure makes Bangladesh a competitive choice for foreign direct investment. He noted that Bangladesh’s growing demand for renewable energy solutions offers additional opportunities for Canadian firms.

“Canada can benefit greatly by aligning with Bangladesh's development priorities. We're aiming for partnerships that deliver long-term economic gains for both nations,” the commerce adviser said.

Canadian representative Paul Thoppil reaffirmed Canada's interest in expanding its footprint in Bangladesh, calling it a “critical partner” in the Indo-Pacific. He cited Bangladesh’s significant role in the global apparel supply chain and expressed interest in diversifying Canadian investments beyond garments.

He also stressed the importance of fast-tracking an air service agreement and reactivating the dormant joint working group to facilitate greater commercial flows between the two countries.

Thoppil pointed to promising investment prospects in ICT, agriculture, dairy and livestock, renewable energy, and infrastructure development—including airports, cargo logistics, and international-standard tourism facilities.

High-level officials including Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Senior Trade Commissioner Debra Boyce, and Bangladesh Commerce Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman also participated in the talks.

Both parties agreed that enhanced cooperation would unlock new trade and investment opportunities, paving the way for a more robust and diversified economic partnership.