ZCZC
BSS-22
TIPU-CANADA
Tipu for Bangladesh-Canada business forum
DHAKA, April 15, 2019 (BSS) – Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today underscored the
need for setting up a forum to boost communication between the businessmen of
Bangladesh and Canada.
“If such a forum is formed, it will help create a platform for discussion between
the businessmen of the two countries. It will also enhance the activity of the
businessmen,” he said.
The Commerce Minister said this to reporters after Canadian High Commissioner to
Dhaka Benoit Prefontaine met him at his secretariat office, said a Ministry press
release.
Tipu said that Canada is keen to increase its trade, commerce and investment in
Bangladesh and for this, both the businessmen of Bangladesh and Canada would have to
come forward.
He also suggested the businesses of both the countries identify the barriers towards
trade and investment and put forward recommendations to the governments so that the
concerned governments could take necessary measures.
Mentioning that the Awami League government is providing special facilities to the
investors, the Commerce Minister said that the Canadian investors would be more
benefitted if they invest in Bangladesh.
He said that country’s exports to Canada are on the rise as it totaled $1,118.71
million in the last fiscal year against the imports of $498.16 million since there is a
huge demand for Bangladeshi products in Canadian market. “Canada’s investment and trade
with Bangladesh will increase in the coming days.”
Lauding the socio-economic development of Bangladesh over the last 10 years,
Canadian High Commissioner Benoit Prefontaine said that Canada would stand beside
Bangladesh and continue their efforts so that the forcibly displaced Rohingyas could
return to Myanmar.
He said that his country would continue to support Bangladesh in the education
sector.
Earlier, Slovenian Ambassador to Dhaka Jozef Drofenik met the Commerce Minister at
his secretariat office where they discussed necessary initiatives to boost trade and
investment between the two countries.
Commerce Secretary Md Mofizul Islam and Additional Secretary of the Ministry
(Export) Tapan Kanti Ghosh were present.
BSS/pr/GM/BR/1800 hrs