DHAKA, Sept 27, 2023 (BSS) - Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh 
Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), held a meeting with 
Rakesk Patry, Director General of International and Intergovernmental Labour 
Affairs, along with Pierre Bouchard, Director of Bilateral and Regional 
Labour Affairs, the Government of Canada.

The meeting took place at the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka today and 
saw the participation of key representatives from both sides.

The meeting was attended by Lilly Nicholls, High Commissioner of Canada to 
Bangladesh, Debra Boyce, Senior Trade Commissioner, Joe Goodings, Head of 
Cooperation, Siobhan Kerr, Second Secretary, Political, and Kamal Uddin, 
Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh, 
said a press release.

Miran Ali, vice president of BGMEA, ANM Saifuddin, chair of BGMEA standing 
committee on Labour and ILO Affairs, and Shams Mahmud, Chair of BGMEA 
Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell, were also present at the meeting.

A wide array of issues was discussed, ranging from mutual interests to the 
prospects of fostering stronger trade relations between Bangladesh and 
Canada.

Both sides discussed the implications of Bangladesh's LDC graduation on its 
trade and the economy, as well as the readiness to maintain growth in the 
post-LDC era.

In the meeting, President Faruque provided an insightful overview of 
Bangladesh's readymade garment industry, emphasizing the remarkable strides 
made in workplace safety, workers rights and environmental sustainability.

He also spotlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure workers' rights and well-
being, particularly the government's labour reform initiatives and the 
minimum wage review.

Recognizing Canada as a pivotal trade and development partner, the BGMEA 
President expressed optimism that Canada will continue to extend favorable 
trade access to Bangladesh.

He underscored the potential for both countries to further bolster trade and 
investment through collaborative efforts.