Bangladesh seeks expanded Japanese investment

Prime Minister Tariqur Rahman has urged Japan to scale up investment in Bangladesh, identifying agriculture, electronics and automobile manufacturing as priority sectors for deeper economic cooperation.

He made the call on Wednesday during a meeting with a visiting Japanese delegation led by Agriculture Minister and Special Envoy Suzuki Norikazu at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Highlighting Japan as one of Bangladesh’s most reliable development partners, the Prime Minister said Dhaka is keen to broaden bilateral engagement and attract greater Japanese participation in key growth industries. 

He also expressed interest in sending more skilled Bangladeshi workers to Japan, particularly in healthcare and agricultural fields, to help meet Japan’s labour demands.

One of the central goals of his government, Rahman noted, is to generate employment opportunities for young people, adding that expanded foreign investment would play a crucial role in achieving that objective.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony, the Japanese delegation responded positively to the Prime Minister’s proposals.

During the meeting, Norikazu congratulated Rahman on assuming office and conveyed Tokyo’s interest in elevating Bangladesh Japan relations to a new level. He stressed the importance of making tangible progress on the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.

The Japanese minister also signalled interest in boosting food exports to Bangladesh and expanding collaboration in agriculture and technology.

Members of the delegation underscored the need for timely completion of several major infrastructure projects being implemented with Japanese support, including the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the Dhaka Metro Rail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The Prime Minister assured them of continued cooperation to ensure smooth implementation.

Japan also announced 17.5 million US dollars in assistance to help address the Rohingya crisis. In response, Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s position that the displaced Rohingya population must be able to return safely to Myanmar.

The Japanese side invited the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Japan. Rahman expressed his willingness to visit at a mutually convenient time.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s advisers Nazrul Islam Khan and Humaiun Kobir, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi attended the meeting.