B'desh, Canada seek to diversify bilateral trade beyond RMG

Bangladesh and Canada have discussed expanding bilateral trade beyond ready-made garments, with light engineering, machinery and other potential sectors identified for greater cooperation.

The issue came up during a courtesy meeting between Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir and Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh at the state minister’s office on Sunday (September 20).

The two sides also discussed exchanging business delegations to explore new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to work together to uphold multilateralism and expressed hope for high-level contacts and meetings on the sidelines of the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The state minister highlighted the contribution of more than 100,000 Bangladeshis living in Canada and thanked Ottawa for its continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis.

The Canadian high commissioner reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the safe, dignified and voluntary return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Bangladesh also sought Canadian cooperation on climate leadership and climate financing in view of its presidency of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session.

The high commissioner raised the possibility of establishing a framework for cooperation in the agricultural sector. The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation in the energy sector.