State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir has described Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s visit to Japan as effective and fruitful. According to him, the visit has elevated the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Japan to new heights. Additionally, it has opened new possibilities for private investment and human resource development, alongside commitments to continue and enhance Bangladesh’s development cooperation.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs made these remarks at a press conference held on Friday (October 30) regarding the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan.
He stated that discussions were held on strengthening cooperation with Japan to address future challenges, keeping in mind Bangladesh’s foreign policy philosophy of ‘Bangladesh First’. The Prime Minister returned home with commitments for Japan’s continued cooperation in communication, environment, agriculture, human resource development, local government management, sustainable economy, international peace and stability, and resolving the Rohingya crisis.
Prime Minister Tareque Rahman arrived in Japan on October 26. The following day, October 27, he discussed various aspects of expanding cooperation between the two countries during a bilateral summit held at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, infrastructure, technology, space research, and various regional and international issues.
Furthermore, discussions also included a private investment proposal of one trillion Japanese Yen, or approximately 6.3 billion US dollars, in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure, and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. Leaders from both countries also discussed sending a Japanese delegation to Bangladesh to expedite the implementation process of the proposed investment plan.
During the Prime Minister’s visit, six bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Bangladesh and Japan. Additionally, commitments for loan assistance totaling 46.56 billion Japanese Yen, or approximately 295.5 million US dollars, were received for two development projects.
Among the agreements, there is also a grant assistance for procuring a patrol vessel to enhance Bangladesh’s coastal security capabilities. An agreement was reached to provide a grant of up to 2.12 billion Japanese Yen, or approximately 13.44 million US dollars, for this purpose.
Beyond government-level agreements and understandings, initiatives have also been taken to expand cooperation between the private sectors of both countries.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir informed that 17 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between various private sector organizations, facilitated by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
According to relevant sources, the implementation of these initiatives could play a positive role in increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh, creating employment opportunities, and developing skilled human resources.
The implementation of the initiatives discussed and agreed upon during the Prime Minister’s Japan visit, covering development cooperation, investment, technology, and security sectors, will now be crucial in further advancing the economic partnership between the two countries. The nature of financial commitments remains clear.