The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has urged Canada to invest in the special economic zones in Bangladesh.
Both the countries have excellent bilateral relations, but Canada is yet to make major investments in Bangladesh, which is offering lucrative incentives to foreign and local investors, CCCI president Mahbubul Alam said during a meeting with Counsellor (Commercial Affairs) of the Canadian High Commission Corinne Petrisor at his chamber office in the World Trade Centre in the port city on Tuesday.
Canadian businesses can be benefited a lot through investment in the special economic zones, he added.
The CCCI president said Canada is one of the leading importers of Bangladesh readymade garments.
Bangladesh is now exploring export markets for other products like pharmaceuticals, ceramics, leather and leather products, jute and jute products, frozen fish, handicrafts, plastic products and furniture, he added .
He requested the counsellor to play an important role in motivating the businesses of her country in importing those goods.
Mr Alam further said Bangladeshi importers are buying huge quantity of wheat, pulses and other food items from Canada.
If this trade is operated without any third party, both the businesses of Bangladesh and Canada will benefit more, he added.
Counsellor of the Canadian High Commission Corinne Petrisor said the recent development of Bangladesh is praiseworthy and both the countries are working together to strengthen bilateral trade relations, because there is ample opportunity to tap business potentials.
She said that the businessmen and investors of Canada always attach importance to the views of the businesspeople of any country.
So, the business-to-business relation is important to convey any message about business and investment from the Bangladeshi businesspeople, she added.
CCCI Vice President Syed Jamal Ahmed and Trade Commissioner of the High Commission Kazi Golam Farhad were present at the meeting.
Syed Jamal sought Ms Corinne's active support in accepting Bangladeshi workers for different sectors in Canada.
After the meeting, Ms Corinne visited the permanent exhibition hall in the World Trade Centre.
Prior to her visit to the CCCI, Ms Corinne visited the Chittagong Port in the morning and inspected the operational facilities of the port.
