In November, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce was pleased to meet with the High Commission for the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh during the High Commissioner’s visit to Manitoba.Bangladesh is Canada’s 4th largest pulse export market (e.g., dry peas, lentils, chickpeas) and a major market for high quality wheat. In addition, several flagship Canadian companies from the readymade garment, aerospace, defense, and security sectors are active in the Bangladesh market and are pursuing new business opportunities. Garments and textile products make up the bulk of Canada’s merchandise imports from Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner discussed with us the many potential opportunities for trade with Canada, including expanding readymade garment imports from Bangladesh, as well as porcelain, leather goods, jute, and frozen fish. Perhaps the greatest perceived opportunity for partnership is found in agribusiness and food processing. In 2020, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits made up 32.9% of key exports to Bangladesh, representing USD $291.5 million, as the country cannot meet domestic demand.
With the goal of becoming the 25th largest economy in the world by 2034, Bangladesh wishes to capitalize on opportunities for investment and trade with Canada more broadly and Manitoba specifically.
To learn more, please reach out to the Bangabandhu Centre for Bangladesh Studies:
Dr. Kawser Ahmed, Executive Director
Nayeem Chowdhury, Advisor, Trade & Finance
