Bangladesh has expressed strong interest in expanding energy cooperation with Canada’s Saskatchewan province, focusing on conventional energy, clean technologies and emerging areas such as small modular reactors (SMRs).
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Md Jashim Uddin made the remarks during a series of high-level meetings in Saskatchewan during his official visit, according to a message received in Dhaka on Wednesday.
During a meeting with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, the envoy proposed the establishment of a Bangladesh–Saskatchewan framework of cooperation. The proposed framework would cover energy, agriculture, agri-food value chains and research collaboration.
The Premier welcomed the proposal and expressed interest in advancing both immediate and long-term cooperation under the framework. Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding was also present at the meeting.
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Bangladesh highlighted the need to diversify its energy mix through collaboration in conventional energy, clean technologies and emerging sectors such as SMRs.
The High Commissioner reiterated the proposal in separate meetings with Saskatchewan Minister of Energy and Resources Chris Beaudry and Minister of Agriculture David Marit.
Both sides discussed opportunities for technical cooperation, research collaboration and knowledge transfer.
The discussions also focused on the growing trade ties between Bangladesh and Saskatchewan, particularly in agri-food products and potash fertiliser, which plays an important role in Bangladesh’s food security.
Both sides emphasised expanding cooperation into value-added sectors, including agri-processing, agricultural technology and downstream industries such as canola-based edible oil production.
During the visit, the High Commissioner was received by Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre at Government House in Regina. He was also introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan during a session.
He held a meeting with Dr Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, along with faculty members and Bangladeshi students. The meeting highlighted opportunities for academic cooperation, skills development and the role of the Bangladeshi diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations.
The High Commissioner also met representatives of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), SaskPower and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC). The discussions focused on expanding trade, investment and sector-based cooperation between Bangladesh and Saskatchewan.
