There is ample opportunity to further expand the economic, trade and commercial relations between Bangladesh and Japan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed has said.
Bangladesh welcomed Japan’s technical and financial investments in Bangladesh under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative which complemented Bangladesh Government’s effort in augmenting infrastructure, communications, power and energy sectors.
Further investment from Japan is expected in the coming days as the Japan specific Economic Zone in Narayanganj was inaugurated on December 6 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the Ambassador.
A few mega projects being built under Japanese assistance are at the final stages of completion to strengthen infrastructure for business and improve the country’s ease of doing business rating, the envoy said.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan celebrated the Glorious 51st Victory Day on Friday with due fervor and solemnity.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Shahabuddin said Japan continued to be a true friend and trusted partner in Bangladesh's development pursuit since independence.
He underscored that the foundation of our strong bilateral relations was laid down by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his visit to Japan in 1973 and has strengthened our friendship.
Over the years, especially in the last 13 years her able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through her visits in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019 has created a robust and multifaceted relations with Japan, he said.
Especially, he mentioned the bilateral relations was elevated to a “Comprehensive partnership” in 2014. Both the countries are working together to take the relations to a new heigh in the coming days.
Ambassador Shahabuddin thanked all to join the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh in 2021 and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan this year.
The event was graced by the presence of Japanese dignitaries including Ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi, Ambassador Masato Watanabe, Ambassador Kiyokazu Ota and Professor Otsubo, who gifted the half bust of Bangabandhu to the Embassy.
They congratulated Bangladesh on the victory day and talked about their involvement with Bangladesh over all these years.
A significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates, Japanese dignitaries, academicians and Embassy officials attended the program held at the Bangabandhu auditorium in the Embassy by following existing Covid-19 health protocol.
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The program started in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed along with rendition of the national anthem in the presence of community members, Embassy officers and staff.