Mayor Dr. Shahadat seeks canadian cooperation
Chattogram Bureau :
Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, “International cooperation is essential for sustainable development and modernization of civic services in Chattogram. Canada’s experience and technical assistance, especially in the education, health and renewable energy sectors, will open new horizons in urban development.” He expressed this opinion during a courtesy call on Ajit Singh, the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, at the CCC office in Tiger Pass on Tuesday.
In the meeting, the Mayor sought the partnership of the Canadian government and private institutions in the development of Chattogram’s education, health and trade sectors. He said, “Chattogram is the commercial gateway of Bangladesh. It is possible to create new jobs and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the international market through joint investment.”
The mayor presented a proposal to increase cooperation in three areas – solar energy, nursing education and leather industry.
He said that through a joint project in the CCC area, Canada can help implement rooftop solar systems, streetlight solar systems and waste-to-fuel projects through technology transfer, financing and technical assistance.
This will significantly reduce the city’s carbon emissions and infrastructure costs.
The mayor also said that an academic program for improving the quality of nursing and paramedics can be launched in collaboration with the Premier University of Chattogram and the CCC-run health training centers with the participation of Canadian health education institutions.
In this, Canadian experts can assist in curriculum development, short-term training and online certification courses, which will make Bangladeshi nurses skilled in the domestic and international workplace. He emphasized Canadian investment in the leather industry and said, “If a specialized leather processing and export zone is established in Chattogram with Canadian investment, it will play an important role in diversifying the country’s exports.
This specialized zone will ensure environmentally friendly leather processing, waste management and value-added production.”
At the meeting, Canadian High Commissioner H.E. Ajit Singh said, “Each of the issues mentioned by the Mayor creates a real area for development cooperation.
There are many institutions in Canada at the public and private levels who are interested in investing and exchanging skills in Bangladesh. Canada wants to be a partner in Bangladesh’s sustainable development journey.”
The meeting was attended by Senior Trade Commissioner of Canada Debra Boyce, Senior Political Counselor Marcus Davies, Trade Commissioner Kamal Uddin and Political and Economic Advisor Nisar Ahmed. Acting Chief Executive Officer Md. Ashraful Amin, Chief Education Officer Dr. Kissinger Chakma, Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman, Chief Accounting Officer Humayun Kabir Chowdhury and others. Vice-Chancellor Professor S. M. Nosrul Qadir and Registrar Mohammad Iftekhar Monir were present on behalf of Premier University.