Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has sought Japan’s cooperation in diversifying Bangladesh’s export products and increasing Japanese investment in the country. He stated that expanding the existing economic relationship between the two countries would create new opportunities for trade and investment.
The Prime Minister sought this cooperation during a meeting with Kataoka Susumu, President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), on Wednesday (October 28) at 11:45 AM local time in Japan. The Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary, Shahadat Swadhin, provided this information.
Discussions at the meeting focused on increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh, diversifying export products, skills development, and strengthening trade and economic partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Tareque Rahman praised JETRO’s role in expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh. He stated that new opportunities for Japanese investment are emerging in Bangladesh. In this regard, Bangladesh seeks Japanese investment in advanced manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), automobiles, renewable energy, and agro-processing sectors within the country’s Special Economic Zones.
Both sides agreed that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement would play a crucial role in further strengthening trade and investment relations between the two countries.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister called upon Japan for cooperation in implementing Bangladesh’s skills development programs and establishing Japanese language training centers. It was noted in the meeting that these initiatives would not only increase employment opportunities in Japan but also strengthen the long-term economic partnership between the two nations.
JETRO President Kataoka Susumu stated that Bangladesh is a promising country for investment due to its economic growth and strategic geographical location. He also mentioned that Japanese companies have shown interest in doing business and investing in Bangladesh due to various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s government.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman attended a luncheon hosted by Kataoka Susumu at his invitation. During this time, discussions also covered advancing mutual cooperation and economic relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister invited the JETRO President to visit Bangladesh at his convenience.
Among those present at the meeting were Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Chairman of Invest Bangladesh Authority Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, and Governor of Bangladesh Bank Md. Mostaqur Rahman.
Also present were the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan, the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.
