Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Benoît-Pierre Laramée yesterday said efforts must be taken to end the ongoing political violence as it impacts Bangladesh economy and the country’s image.
“It is truly unacceptable, “There must be an end to this situation because this will eventually have an impact on the image of Bangladesh.” Laramée told reporters at a press conference.
I am also very saddened and distressed when I see the sufferings of the victims. These victims are certainly the most vulnerable people. There must be an end to violence and there must be a creation of peaceful political space, said Laramée.
He said democracy, human rights, good governance and peace are the foundation of economic and social developments.
“As we move forward, I believe that the next step is to increase Canadian investment in Bangladesh,” said Laramée.
The press conference was organised to inform about the outcome of the “Showcase Canada 2015”, Canada’s flagship trade show in Bangladesh.
The two-day event was held on February 14 and 15 in the city’s Sonargoan Hotel.
The Canada-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CanCham), in association with the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh, organised the show.
“Canada is working in partnership with the people and government of Bangladesh to secure prosperity for both of our nations, as Bangladesh moves towards middle-income status,” said the envoy.
Replying to a question, Laramée said they have interest in blue economy of Bangladesh as it can add lots of value with their experience in the sector.
Information technology and readymade garment are the potential sectors to received Canadian investment, he added.
The North American country offers duty-free access to almost all products from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has become the second largest source of Canadian merchandise imports from South Asia, after India.
Canada also offers opportunities to the private sector through the Trade Facilitation Office, which is a mandate to increase the capacity of exporters in developing countries.
“With duty-free access being offered to Bangladeshi exporters, there are tremendous opportunities to increase bilateral trade between our countries,” said Laramée.
Bilateral trades between the two countries remain in Bangladesh’s favour, with Bangladesh exporting over Can $1.2bn, while Canadian merchandise exports to Bangladesh in 2014 were Can $708m, according to the High Commission’s press release.
At present, in Bangladesh, Canada focuses on three sectors: sustainable economic growth, health, and education, said the Canadian high commissioner.
In the sustainable economic growth sector, Canada is working to increase and improve skills training, and to improve working conditions in the garment sector, he said.
In health and education, the country is providing support to expand the access and quality of healthcare and education available throughout the country, the high commissioner said.
In 40 years of partnership, Canada has provided over $4bn as development assistance to Bangladesh.
Laramée stated: “Canada’s core goal in Bangladesh is to build the underlying conditions necessary for the mutual prosperity of both our countries.”
