Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought Japan’s cooperation to diversify Bangladesh’s export basket and expand trade and investment opportunities, underscoring a push to strengthen the two countries’ economic partnership.
He made the call during a meeting with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) President Susumu Kataoka in Tokyo at 11:45 am local time, according to the prime minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
Rahman urged increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s special economic zones, specifically targeting advanced manufacturing, information‑communication technology, automobiles, renewable energy and agro‑processing.
He praised JETRO’s role in expanding Japanese investment, noting that new opportunities are emerging for Japanese companies in Bangladesh.
Both sides agreed that the Bangladesh‑Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will play an important role in deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.
The prime minister also called for Japanese support for skills‑development programmes and the establishment of Japanese language training centres in Bangladesh.
He said such initiatives would help create employment opportunities in Japan and reinforce the long‑term economic partnership between the two nations.
JETRO President Kataoka highlighted Bangladesh’s strong investment potential, citing its robust economic growth and strategic geographic location.
Kataoka added that Japanese firms are already showing interest in doing business and investing in Bangladesh, responding to recent government initiatives.
After the meeting, Rahman attended a luncheon hosted by Kataoka, where both sides discussed ways to advance bilateral cooperation and economic relations.
Rahman invited the JETRO president to visit Bangladesh at his convenience.
The Bangladesh delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs‑1 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Special Assistant Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and other senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Why it matters
Diversifying exports and attracting Japanese investment will broaden Bangladesh’s economic base, create jobs and reduce reliance on a narrow range of products.