Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has put emphasis on unlocking potentials in trade and investment between Bangladesh and Canada and sought more Canadian investment for economic growth of both the countries.“I urge our Canadian friends for more Canadian investment in Bangladesh and hope that CanCham will also play an enabling role in this regard,” he said in his dinner speech at Hotel Le Meriden here on Thursday.Canada-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CanCham) hosted the dinner to celebrate the 150th years of Canada Confederation.The foreign minister said Canadian entrepreneurs may contribute to the economic growth of both the countries by investing in the 100 Economic Zones being established all over Bangladesh especially in power, energy, transportation, ICT, food and agro processing, light engineering, services and hospitality sectors.“With a stable political environment and a highly positive economic outlook forecast by leading Market Analysts, we offer a conducive environment for trade and investment for our friends in Canada. Our growth forecast is more than 7% for the fiscal year ending in June, 2017,” he said.Ali said in response to the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshi businessmen are exploring new items and areas and diversifying export basket.“To realize this potential, we should continue to encourage and foster greater interaction between our private sectors. Our respective Chamber bodies should work closely and exchange more visits to identify mutually beneficial ventures,” he said.The foreign minister said Bangladesh has become a shining example of economic development in the world today under the leadership of Bangabandhu`s daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.He said the government is working towards achieving a `Digital Bangladesh` where the people will have equitable access to resources and information and moving ahead with determination to transform Bangladesh into a middle income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041.“In this journey, we would like to see Canada as a close and reliable partner with enhanced assistance and cooperation in social, economic, infrastructure, technological and human resources development sectors.” he said.Source: BSS