Bangladesh, Canada eye wider trade and investment ties

DHAKA, September 14, 2026 — A visiting delegation of the Bangladesh Business Chamber of Canada (BBCC) has sought stronger legal safeguards for Canadian investment in Bangladesh while highlighting opportunities to expand exports of garments, IT services, jute and leather products to Canada.

The five-member delegation, led by BBCC Vice President Ferdous Ahmed, made a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed MP at her office in Dhaka today.

During the meeting, the BBCC delegation stressed the need for an appropriate legal framework to protect Canadian investments in Bangladesh and discussed several trade barriers affecting bilateral commerce.

The delegation raised concerns over difficulties in exporting Bangladeshi shrimp to Canada due to the lack of necessary laboratory facilities in Bangladesh.

It also pointed out significant opportunities to increase Bangladesh's share of the Canadian apparel market, noting that Canada imports substantial quantities of garments from countries including China and Vietnam.

The BBCC delegation also highlighted Canada's large market for IT outsourcing, saying Bangladesh has skilled manpower to tap into the sector but currently holds only a small share of the market.

There is also considerable scope to boost exports of Bangladeshi jute products and leather goods to Canada, the delegation said.

State Minister Shama Obaed stressed the need to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) from Canada to Bangladesh and encouraged greater business engagement between the two countries.

The BBCC delegation informed the state minister that it plans to organise a roadshow in Canada next year to promote Bangladeshi products, with support from the Bangladesh government.

Shama Obaed assured the delegation of all possible cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while asking BBCC to submit concrete proposals outlining areas where government support is required.

The meeting comes amid efforts to further strengthen Bangladesh-Canada economic relations through increased investment, trade diversification and greater access to the Canadian market.