Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh and Canada have explored ways to expand bilateral trade and investment, with a visiting business delegation calling for stronger legal protection for Canadian investors and greater access for Bangladeshi products in the Canadian market.

A five-member delegation of the Bangladesh Business Chamber of Canada (BBCC), led by its Vice President Ferdous Ahmed, made a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed MP at her office on Monday.

During the meeting, the BBCC delegation highlighted several issues that it said were hindering the growth of Bangladesh-Canada trade and investment.

The delegation stressed the need for an appropriate legal framework to protect Canadian investments in Bangladesh, saying stronger safeguards could help attract more investment from Canada.

The BBCC also raised the issue of difficulties in exporting Bangladeshi shrimp to Canada due to the absence of necessary laboratory facilities in Bangladesh. Addressing the issue, they indicated that developing adequate testing facilities could help boost seafood exports to the Canadian market.

The business leaders also pointed to significant opportunities for Bangladesh to increase its share of Canada`s garment market. They noted that Canada imports a substantial volume of garments from countries such as China and Vietnam, suggesting that Bangladesh could expand its presence in the market.

The delegation further highlighted Canada`s growing IT outsourcing market, saying Bangladesh currently has only a limited share despite having a large pool of skilled manpower capable of serving the sector.

There is also considerable scope to increase exports of Bangladeshi jute products and leather goods to Canada, they said.

State Minister Shama Obaed stressed the need for increased foreign direct investment (FDI) from Canada to Bangladesh and expressed the government`s willingness to work with the Bangladeshi business community in Canada to facilitate greater economic engagement.

The BBCC delegation informed the State Minister that it is planning to organise a roadshow in Canada next year to promote Bangladeshi products. The proposed initiative is expected to help showcase Bangladeshi goods and explore new business opportunities in the Canadian market.

Shama Obaed assured the delegation of all necessary cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while asking the BBCC to come forward with concrete proposals so that the government could take appropriate measures to facilitate their initiatives.

The meeting comes at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to diversify its export destinations, attract more foreign investment and expand its presence in overseas markets. Canada, with its sizeable consumer market and demand for garments, IT services, leather and other products, remains an important potential destination for Bangladeshi businesses.