PM seeks more Canadian investment

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina Monday urged the Canadian government and private entrepreneurs to invest on a large scale in Bangladesh especially in its power, energy, textile, garments, food processing and packaging, information communications technology (ICT) and service sectors, reports BSS. She also requested the Canadian government to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh. The PM made the request when the visiting Premier of Saskatchewan Province of Canada, Brad Wall, paid a courtesy call on her at Ganobhaban in the city Monday morning. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said Sheikh Hasina and Brad Wall discussed various issues of national and international development. The provincial premier lauded Hasina's leadership in restoring democracy in Bangladesh and steering the nation towards economic freedom. In reply, the PM thanked the Canadian government for its support and assistance in holding the last parliamentary elections in a free, fair, neutral and acceptable manner. Brad Wall assured the Bangladesh government of continuing Canadian support to economic fields of Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina and Brad Wall also underscored the need for increasing bilateral trade and commerce for mutual benefits. On democracy, she said the Election Commission is working now with full freedom as the recent local government elections were held in a complete free and fair manner. Other democratic institutions are also working in full swing, she added. Brad Wall appreciated Hasina's leading role in the international forums to make the global community aware of the climate change impacts due to global warming. The PM said her government is making allout efforts to protect the people from natural calamities and sought international cooperation in this connection. PM's Adviser HT Imam, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister MA Karim, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad, Canadian High Commi­ssioner in Dhaka and Bangladesh High Commi­ssioner in Ottawa were present on the occasion.