High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada Md Jashim Uddin has proposed the establishment of a ‘Bangladesh-Saskatchewan Framework of Cooperation’ to structure engagement in priority areas such as agriculture, agri-food value chains, energy and research collaboration.
He made the proposal during a meeting with Saskatchewan’s Premier Scott Moe.
The premier welcomed the proposal and expressed interest in advancing both near-term opportunities and longer-term strategic cooperation through the proposed framework.
High Commissioner Jashim Uddin undertook an official visit Province of Saskatchewan, where he held a series of high-level meetings, including with the Lieutenant Governor and the Premier of the Province, to further strengthen cooperation in food security, energy, trade, and innovation.
Energy cooperation was also a key focus, with Bangladesh expressing interest in diversifying its energy sources, including collaboration in conventional energy, clean technologies, and emerging areas such as small modular reactors (SMRs), said the High Commission on Wednesday.
Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development of the Province, was present during the meeting,
Discussions highlighted the strong and growing trade relationship between Bangladesh and Saskatchewan, particularly in agri-food products and potash fertilizer, which play a vital role in Bangladesh’s food security.
Both sides discussed the need to build on this foundation by expanding into value-added sectors, including agri-processing, agricultural technology, and potential downstream opportunities such as canola-based edible oil production.
The High Commissioner reiterated the proposal for a structured framework during his meetings with Chris Beaudry, Minister of Energy and Resources, and David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, where discussions further underscored opportunities for technical cooperation, research collaboration, and knowledge transfer.
As part of his engagements, the High Commissioner was received by Bernadette McIntyre, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan at the Government House in Regina, and was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan during its session by Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development.
The High Commissioner also met with Dr Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, faculty members, and Bangladeshi students, highlighting opportunities for academic collaboration and skills development, as well as the role of the Bangladeshi diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties.
He also held meetings with key institutions, including Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), SaskPower, and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC), focusing on expanding trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation.