09/14/2026
Today, September 14, 2026, a five-member delegation from the Bangladesh Business Chamber of Canada (BBCC), led by its Vice President, Mr. Ferdous Ahmed, paid a courtesy call on the Honourable State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Shama Obayed, MP, at her office.
The delegation included Mr. Majumdar Arifur Rahman, Mr. K. B. Mamoor, Mr. Rafiq Hassan, and Mr. Mohammed Akhteruzzaman.
The following key areas were discussed to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Canada:
1. The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)
2. Increasing shrimp exports to Canada and expanding market opportunities
3. Increasing and diversifying Bangladesh’s exports
4. Expanding IT outsourcing and digital trade, including organizing a Digital Trade Exhibition
5. Identifying priority sectors for bilateral cooperation
6. Exploring the prospects of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
7. Strengthening engagement with the Bangladeshi-Canadian community to promote trade and investment opportunities
During the meeting, BBCC emphasized the need for an appropriate legal framework to protect Canadian investments in Bangladesh. The delegation also raised the challenges affecting shrimp exports from Bangladesh to Canada.
The delegation noted that Canada imports a significant volume of garments from China and Vietnam and that considerable opportunities exist to increase Bangladesh’s share of the Canadian market.
It also highlighted that Canada represents a substantial market for IT outsourcing. However, despite having a skilled workforce capable of meeting this demand, Bangladesh currently holds only a limited share of the market. The delegation further identified strong potential to increase exports of Bangladeshi jute products and leather goods to Canada.
The Honourable State Minister emphasized the importance of attracting greater foreign direct investment from Canada.
BBCC shared its plan to organize a roadshow in Canada next year to promote Bangladeshi products, with support from the Government of Bangladesh.
Ms. Shama Obayed assured the delegation of the Ministry’s fullest cooperation in expanding trade, investment, and business opportunities between Bangladesh and Canada. She also requested that BBCC submit a concrete proposal for the proposed IT and Digital Trade Exhibition.
The BBCC delegation sincerely thanked the Honourable State Minister for her valuable guidance, encouragement, and time.