Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s promising sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT), renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, saying there are significant opportunities for investment in these sectors through foreign direct investment (FDI) and public-private partnerships (PPP).
He made the call when Masumi Kakinoki, chairman of Marubeni Corporation and the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC), met him at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo at 3:45pm local time, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister underscored the need for strengthening the Bangladesh-Japan economic partnership.
He said the government is committed to creating an investment-friendly environment and is working to expand opportunities for Japanese businesses through regulatory reforms, simplified investment approval procedures and stronger public-private partnerships.
Kakinoki expressed hope that effective implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan will help expand bilateral trade, increase Japanese investment and create new business opportunities between the two countries.
Tarique Rahman also sought Japanese cooperation to modernise the Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO) and assess the feasibility of setting up a second fertiliser plant in Bangladesh.
He also sought the support of the JBCCEC and Marubeni Corporation for the development of the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).
The Prime Minister praised Kakinoki’s leadership in strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan and thanked him for his role in expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh and improving business ties between the two countries.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s 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, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment Affairs in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present.
On October 11, a Marubeni delegation, led by its President and CEO Masayuki Omoto, met Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka.
They discussed expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh and cooperation in information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fertiliser and energy sectors.
Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on a four-day state visit, leading a 16-member high-level delegation.