Canada to help Bangladesh deal with coronavirus
Canada and Bangladesh could build a partnership for a quick response, if needed, to deal with the deadly virus that has killed more than 1300 people, and has infected 45,000 others globally
Canada is ready to stand by Bangladesh with support in case of any emergency in dealing with coronavirus, said Bill Blair, the Canadian Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
He came up with the promise during a meeting with Sheikh Fazle Fahim, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI), on Wednesday at his ministry in Toronto, according to a press release recieved on Thursday.
The FBCCI president is currently visiting Canada to meet with government officials and the authorities of universities and other educational institutions.
Canada would extend its support to Bangladesh, which has close trade relations with China, said Blair.
Though no case of infection has yet been reported in Bangladesh, the FBCCI president said Bangladesh is closely monitoring the situation, and is prepared to handle any emergency situation regarding the flu-like virus, officially dubbed as COVID-19.
Fahim said Canada and Bangladesh could build a partnership for a quick response, if needed, to deal with the deadly virus that has killed more than 1,300 people and has infected over 45,000 people worldwide thus far.
They also discussed how the FBCCI initiatives can work together with Canadian institutions to ensure skill and technology education fit for Bangladeshi businesses as the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is moving forward for a faster economic growth.
The issue of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of birth of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came up in the meeting as well.
Fahim said the FBCCI would continue to explore potentials of more cooperation with Canadian institutions and business associations.
The Canadian minister promised to extend his all-out support to the FBCCI in this regard.
Notably, the FBCCI has established an institute for Technical Vocation Education and Training to create skilled manpower who can contribute toward the country's goal for making Bangladesh a developed nation by 2041.
The FBCCI Institute will also focus on research and evaluation across industries, mix of curriculums on certification, micro (3 months), 2 and 4 semesters, behavioural economics, industrial economics, cyber security, artificial intelligence, LOT, fintech and robotics.