DEEPAK Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, on behalf of the Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on Tuesday announced Canada’s support to create a better-trained and qualified workforce in Bangladesh.
“Canada believes in the importance of investing in skills training to improve employment opportunities in Bangladesh,” said Mr. Obhrai. “The Skills Training and Enhancement Project will provide men, women, and youth in Bangladesh with the opportunity to earn a better living by obtaining essential skills and knowledge from quality, market-oriented skills training and education programs.”
This project, implemented by the World Bank, promotes the development of technical and vocational education and training programs that meet the needs of businesses. It aims to increase the number of students and trainees enrolled in education and training programs, including those from impoverished backgrounds, and the employability of graduates from these programs.
“Sustainable economic growth can help low-income populations transition out of poverty,” said Paradis. “We need to provide people in disadvantaged situations with the necessary tools and skills to take advantage of employment opportunities, which will in turn help stimulate long-term economic growth.”
Bangladesh was confirmed as a country of focus for the Government of Canada’s international development efforts, and it is also one of Canada’s 10 maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) countries of focus. The objective of Canada’s international development program in Bangladesh is to create opportunities for children and youth and to stimulate sustainable economic growth.
* Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. With about 154.7 million people (in 2012) living in a country about twice the size of New Brunswick, the resulting population pressures are significant.
* Bangladesh continues to make important development gains. Both population growth and the incidence of poverty have steadily declined, while the gross domestic product growth rate has averaged 6 percent per year.
* Canada supports efforts in Bangladesh to strengthen employment-intensive industries and to promote international trade. This support includes:
– increasing access to employment skills, particularly for youth;
– streamlining legal, fiscal and regulatory frameworks for business development;
– improving public sector financial management; and
– improving working conditions in the garment sector, including support to the project led by the International Labour Organization to strengthen inspection and regulation and enhance occupational health and safety in factories.
