TDS Desk:

Minister of International Development of Canada Ahmed Hussen on Monday said businesses in Canada will feel encouraged if the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) are signed with Bangladesh.

Canada welcomed its engagement with Bangladesh to continue technical discussions towards a FIPA to expand trade and investment ties between the two countries.

“Businesses in Canada will feel encouraged if FIPA is signed. They will see it as a signal,” the Canadian minister told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus when he called on the Chief Adviser at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon.

Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Ajit Singh and senior secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were also present.

The Chief Adviser urged Canada to relocate their manufacturing factories to Bangladesh and make the country a production hub, taking advantage of Bangladesh’s youth forces.

He also requested the Canadian minister to expedite the visa process for Bangladeshi students.

Responding to the Chief Adviser’s call, the Canadian minister said they would welcome any legitimate student from Bangladesh and that the country’s recent decision to reduce the number of student study permits had not particularly targeted Bangladeshis. “We did cut visas. But there is nothing against Bangladesh. Any legitimate student from Bangladesh is welcome.”

The Chief Adviser sought Canada’s assistance again for bringing back stolen money from Bangladesh.

“There is a whole area called Begum Para, where family members of corrupt people are living .We are working hard to get rid of corruption, as corruption is everywhere,” he added.

Assuring Bangladesh of the Canadian government’s assistance, the Canadian minister said, “We don’t want corrupt money, plundered public money in Canada,” said Minister Hussen.

During the meeting, the Canadian Minister reiterated the support of his government for Bangladesh’s Interim Government. “I know the people of Bangladesh are looking to you and your team to fulfil their hopes and expectations,” he said.

The Chief Adviser and the Canadian minister also discussed the ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh, the upcoming general election, and the plight of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.