'Jute goods to help double export to Canada in 3 years'

As Canada recently banned the use of plastic goods, the subsequent demand of jute goods may help Bangladesh to double its export volume in the next three years, said Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Saturday.

In order to do so, maximum utilisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as women entrepreneurs, was imperative, he also said.

The minister made the remarks at a certificate distribution ceremony, where 29 trade professionals were acknowledged for their role of developing capacity in trade and international market access support.

The certificates were given as part of a project titled "Export Launchpad Bangladesh", an international trade capacity building and market access support programme in Bangladesh.

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), Trade Facilitation Office–Canada (TFO-Canada) and Business Promotion Council (BPC) gave the certificates. 

The candidates were selected following a training programme from July to October earlier this year.

They will now act as trainers by providing advice and assistance to SMEs for expanding their trade and getting access to international markets.

Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s high commissioner to Canada; AHM Shafiquzzaman, coordinator, Business Promotion Council and additional secretary of Ministry of Commerce; AHM Ahsan, additional secretary of the ministry and vice chairman export Promotion Bureau; spoke at the event.

Benoit Prefontaine, Canadian high commissioner to Bangladesh; Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC; Steve Tipman, executive director, TFO; addressed the programme virtually.

LightCastle Partners, a Bangladeshi business consultant firm, organized the event at Amari Hotel in the capital.

They are also facilitating the Launchpad project with the support of ITFC, TFO and BPC.

Launchpad, a technical assistance project consisting of a train-the-trainer activity, aims to reduce poverty in Bangladesh through capitalizing opportunities in the global trade.

Bangladesh’s export to Canada grew by 14.53 per cent in 2019 to CAD$1.97 billion year-on-year mainly due to the trade privilege provided by the latter , according to data from the Canada Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh (CanCham) .

The country fetched CAD$1.72 billion in 2018 and CAD$1.65 billion the year before through export, of which more than 90 per cent were apparel items.

Bangladesh mainly exports apparel products, frozen fish, plastic items, headwear, footwear, ceramic products, toys, games and sports equipment and furniture to Canada.