CA Urges Canada to Relocate Manufacturing Factories to Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on Canada to relocate its manufacturing factories to Bangladesh, leveraging the country's youthful workforce to establish it as a production hub.

His request came during a meeting with Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of International Development, at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon today.

During the discussion, Minister Hussen reaffirmed Canada's commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with Bangladesh. He stated that Canada is open to continuing technical discussions on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which could enhance business engagement between the two nations.

"Businesses in Canada will feel encouraged if FIPA is signed. They will see it as a signal," Minister Hussen said.

Professor Yunus also urged Canada to expedite visa processing for Bangladeshi students. In response, the Canadian minister assured that legitimate students from Bangladesh remain welcome despite recent reductions in study permit approvals.

"We did cut visas, but there is nothing against Bangladesh. Any legitimate student from Bangladesh is welcome," he emphasized.

The Chief Adviser further sought Canada's assistance in recovering stolen money laundered out of Bangladesh. Referring to "Begum Para," a neighbourhood in Canada where families of alleged corrupt individuals reside, he said, "We are working hard to eliminate corruption, as it exists everywhere."

Minister Hussen assured Bangladesh of Canada's cooperation, stating, "We don't want corrupt money or plundered public funds in Canada."

The meeting also covered ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh, the upcoming general elections, and the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.