Bangladesh, Canada Explore Launching Free Trade Agreement Talks

Bangladesh, Canada Consider Launching FTA Talks to Deepen Trade Ties

Bangladesh and Canada have explored the prospect of initiating formal dialogue on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance bilateral trade relations. The discussions took place during a meeting between Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Paul Thoppil, who is currently visiting Bangladesh with a business delegation, and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, according to an official press release.

The Canadian delegation included representatives from prominent firms such as Gildan, BlackBerry, Advantech, Bell Helicopter, JCM Power, and Export Development Canada. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation for Canada’s Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) market access for Bangladeshi exports and conveyed optimism about ongoing technical discussions on a proposed Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA).

The two sides engaged in comprehensive discussions covering trade, investment, and development cooperation. Highlighting Bangladesh’s broad-based economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary invited Canadian investments in promising sectors such as information and communication technology, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and renewable energy.

Paul Thoppil acknowledged the positive impact of Bangladesh's reforms and noted increasing interest from Canadian businesses in the country. Both parties welcomed the steady growth of bilateral trade, now valued at USD 3 billion. Thoppil emphasized that a FIPA would play a crucial role in fostering investor confidence.

He also praised the dynamic role of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Canada and the strengthening of people-to-people ties. In this context, the Foreign Secretary urged for a simplified student visa application process to encourage educational exchanges and skill development.

The Foreign Secretary also thanked Canada for its continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya and stressed the importance of mobilizing international support for their safe and sustainable return to Myanmar.

This is Paul Thoppil’s second visit to Bangladesh, underscoring Canada’s growing engagement with the country. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh was also present during the meeting.