Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls has said Bangladesh is the key part of Canada's just launched Indo-Pacific strategy. “It will usher in a new era of making Canada attractive and a long-term significant partner in the region and Bangladesh is a key part of that strategy,” she said on Sunday night just moments ahead of the formal launching of the long-awaited strategy in Vancouver. The high commissioner said the new Indo-Pacific strategy recognises Bangladesh in the Indo-Pacific at large and is absolutely critical for Canada and for Canadians. Read: Momen courts Canadian investors at 50th anniversary event The Canadian envoy was speaking at an event hosted by the Canada Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CanCham Bangladesh) celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Canada. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen spoke as the chief at the event. Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin, CanCham President Masud Rahman and Principal of Canadian International School of Bangladesh Janice Smales also spoke at the event. The Indo-Pacific region is key to Canada’s economic growth, prosperity and security. As a Pacific nation, Canada recognises that the Indo-Pacific region is critically important for the long-term prosperity, health and security of Canadians. High commissioner Nicholls said they need to bring more trade missions in both directions and laid emphasis on making people aware of the opportunities that Bangladesh offers. “We need to bring more Bangladeshis to Canada as well,” she said. Read: Russia wants to support countries in energy, food security: Ambassador The high commissioner said they never forget that both Canada and Bangladesh are promoters of democracy, diversity of languages and both countries are free traders, multilateralists and peacekeepers. “We have a lot in common.” Nicholls highly appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts in reducing poverty significantly over the past 50 years which she finds unprecedented. “Canada is honoured to be part of that journey with Bangladesh.” “So, as we move forward, we need to work together as we had done in the past. I know we have much more to achieve,” she added.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls has highly appreciated Bangladesh's success in Covid-19 management and called it an example for the world. High Commissioner Nicholls met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday. Shahriar Alam expressed gratitude for Canada's continued support for the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals both inside Bangladesh and in the international forums including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case. The state minister hoped that Canada would continue its general preferential tariff (GPT) facility to Bangladesh for a much longer period considering the Covid-19 pandemic. Also Read: Air force chief returns home from Canada High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls emphasised the new areas of trade and investment between the countries, including agro-based products, ICT, green tech and aerospace. Shahriar requested her to consider including Bangladeshi students in the "Student Direct Stream." Lilly Nicholls said the Canadian government is now reviewing the Student Direct Stream programme. "As soon as it is finalised, Canada is open to considering Bangladesh to be included in the programme."

Lilly Nicholls has been appointed as the next Canadian high commissioner to Bangladesh. She will take the place of Benoit Préfontaine. Read: Bangladesh envoy to Jamaica presents credentials Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly Thursday announced several diplomatic appointments including, the appointment of the country's new high commissioner to Bangladesh. Benoit will replace Nicole Girard as consul general in Bengaluru, India.