Canada eager to invest in pharma, IT and energy sectors: Envoy

CHITTAGONG, Aug 19: Canada is eager to invest in the pharmaceutical, information technology (IT) and energy sectors in Bangladesh as the North American country wants to raise the bilateral trade to two billion US dollars from the current level of $1.85 billion.
Canada High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ms Heather Cruden conveyed the message while exchanging views with the leaders of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the CCCI office during her visit to the World Trade Centre in the port city on August 18.
Chamber president Mahbubul Alam, vice-president Syed Jamal Ahmed, directors Mahfuzul Haque Shah, MA Motaleb, Jahirul Islam Chowdhury (Alamgir), Kamal Mostafa Chowdhury, Anwar Shawkat Afsar, Amjad Hossain Chowdhury, Jahurul Alam, Sirajul Islam and Mohammed Jahangir, milling expert of Canada International Grain Institute (CIGI) Ashok Sarkar, Science and Invention director Ellain Supinick, baking expert Ms Ebhonny Supin and trade commissioner of the High Commission Kamal Uddin were present.
The high commissioner said Canada has been regularly assisting in agricultural product processing in Bangladesh through the Canadian Grain Institute and four million children and juvenile under development programme with the financial support of the Canadian government.
She said her government will provide necessary training to nurses, teachers, engineers and other professionals to build up an efficient workforce so that they can earn a lot of foreign exchange from abroad.
The diplomat emphasized enhancement of the quality of the labour force in the RMG (readymade garment) sector and the uplift of working environment in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the meet, the CCCI president invited Canadian investment in the infrastructure and energy sectors. He said Canada could draw much from investment as Bangladesh has an investment-friendly environment.
The high commissioner can play an important role in attracting investment from her country's entrepreneurs, he said.
The chamber vice-president asked the envoy to ease visa process for the Bangladeshi businesspersons for the enhancement of people-to-people bilateral trade contacts.