Bangladesh eyes diversified energy cooperation with Canada’s Saskatchewan state

Bangladesh has expressed strong interest in expanding energy cooperation with Canada’s Saskatchewan province, focusing on conventional energy, clean technologies, and emerging sectors such as small modular reactors (SMRs).

According to an official message, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Md Jashim Uddin raised the proposal during a series of high-level meetings in Saskatchewan.

In a meeting with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, the envoy proposed the creation of a Bangladesh–Saskatchewan cooperation framework covering energy, agriculture, agri-food value chains, and research collaboration. The Premier welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in advancing both short- and long-term cooperation.

Provincial Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding also attended the meeting.

Energy cooperation featured prominently in discussions, with Bangladesh highlighting its interest in diversifying its energy mix through collaboration in conventional energy, clean technologies, and SMRs.

The High Commissioner reiterated the proposal in separate meetings with Saskatchewan’s Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry and Agriculture Minister David Marit. Both sides emphasized opportunities in technical cooperation, research partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

Trade relations, particularly in agri-food products and potash fertilizer—key to Bangladesh’s food security—were also discussed. Both sides stressed expanding cooperation into value-added sectors such as agri-processing, agricultural technology, and canola-based edible oil production.

During the visit, the envoy met Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre at Government House in Regina and was introduced in the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly.

He also held discussions with the University of Regina leadership, focusing on academic collaboration, skills development, and engagement with the Bangladeshi diaspora.

Additionally, meetings were held with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), SaskPower, and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC), centering on trade expansion, investment opportunities, and sectoral cooperation.