President calls for more Canadian investment

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged Canada to further expand its investment and economic engagement with Bangladesh.
He made the call when Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam said.
During the meeting, the high commissioner, on behalf of Canadian Governor General Louise Arbour, handed over a congratulatory letter to Mirza Fakhrul on his assumption of the presidency.
The President thanked the governor general for the letter and praised Canada’s longstanding tradition of democratic practice, seeking its cooperation in strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.
“The government is facing difficulties due to the long absence of democracy and parliamentary practices, and it has begun necessary reform activities to institutionalise democracy,” he said.

The Canadian high commissioner said bilateral trade between the two countries has exceeded C$4 billion annually, noting that there is further scope to expand trade.
The President also sought greater Canadian cooperation in education, particularly in technical education, technology, nursing and medical sectors. The high commissioner informed the President about the upcoming visit of Canada’s state minister for foreign affairs to Bangladesh.
He also highlighted Canada’s support for the Rohingya issue, saying Ottawa has so far provided around US$600 million in assistance.
The President thanked the Canadian government for its continued support and urged Canada to play an effective role in building international pressure for the voluntary and safe return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He also noted that more than 100,000 Bangladeshis are contributing to Canada’s development.
The President’s secretaries and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the meeting.
Canada’s Political Counsellor Marcus Davies was also present on the Canadian side.