Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for stronger cooperation with Japan in energy, technology, infrastructure and investment. He proposed the establishment of a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park and sought Japanese support for major transport projects to accelerate Bangladesh’s economic transformation.

During a bilateral summit at the Kantei in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Tarique urged the Japanese government and private sector to increase their involvement in Bangladesh's industrialisation, technological advancement, and economic development.

The meeting also discussed plans to attract 1 trillion Japanese yen, equivalent to US$6.34 billion, in private investment targeting Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure, and ICT sectors. Discussions also emphasized sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to help implement this plan.

Tarique stated that Bangladesh is working toward becoming a regional hub for the economy, technology, and manufacturing, according to the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary, Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. He also expressed optimism that the country could emerge as the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030 and exceed a $1 trillion gross domestic product by 2034.

The two leaders discussed strengthening the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, expanding trade and investment, ensuring energy security, advancing technology and space research, developing infrastructure, and enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues.

The prime minister stated that Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. He recalled Japan’s early recognition of Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and acknowledged the country's long-standing contribution to Bangladesh's socioeconomic progress.

He also recalled visits to Japan by his father, former president Ziaur Rahman, and the contributions of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening bilateral relations. He pledged to take the relationship to new heights.

On energy security, Tarique stressed the need for reliable and affordable energy supplies to sustain economic growth.

He thanked Japan for its long-standing support and referred to a recent 50 billion Japanese yen emergency support loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative.

The prime minister urged Japan to increase its investment and participation in liquefied natural gas infrastructure, efficient power generation, and renewable energy projects in Bangladesh.

To develop a technology-driven economy, Tarique proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with young Bangladeshi talent, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

He identified artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing as priority sectors for the proposed park. He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies.

On infrastructure, the prime minister outlined plans to develop a modern, integrated transport network, including high-speed rail linking the country’s six major divisional cities and a nationwide network of elevated roads.

He sought Japanese assistance in planning, technical support, investment and financing for these major infrastructure projects, saying Japan’s experience in infrastructure development and modern transport systems could help Bangladesh realise its ambitions.

Welcoming new investment from Japan, Tarique stated that his government is committed to improving the investment climate. He said the government aims to make regulations, tax policies, customs clearance, and fund-transfer procedures more transparent, predictable, and efficient.

He also expressed hope for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing that both sides need to work together to ensure its benefits reach their people.

The prime minister emphasized the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law in matters of international affairs.

He thanked Japan for its support in the election of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to preside over the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, and voiced hope for close cooperation in strengthening multilateralism and addressing global challenges.

Tarique Rahman reaffirmed a shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo‑Pacific. He called for greater cooperation in regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth.

He also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting Rohingya displacement crisis. He called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned.

Appreciating Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to shelter forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the prime minister urged Tokyo to remain actively engaged with all parties to help restore peace and stability in Rakhine.

He said a lasting solution to the crisis lies in Myanmar and stressed the need to ensure the Rohingyas’ early, safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation.

In his concluding remarks, Tarique said the summit would open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations, built on deeper trust, broader economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.

He proposed establishing a ministerial-level joint commission to identify priority areas, accelerate implementation and turn cooperation opportunities into practical initiatives.

The prime minister also called for closer engagement between the business communities of the two countries.

He invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, expressing hope that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to deepen through mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity.

The bilateral summit between Tarique Rahman and Sanae Takaichi began at 11:45am [local time] at the Kantei.

The meeting was convened following a formal welcome at 11:30 a.m., a guard of honour, and the introduction of the respective delegations of the two leaders.

Why it matters

The bilateral summit strengthens economic ties between Bangladesh and Japan while securing potential multibillion-dollar investments in national infrastructure and technology.