Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Susumu Kataoka, president of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), to boost Japanese investment in Bangladesh, diversify exports, build skills and strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.
At a meeting on Wednesday, Tarique praised JETRO’s role in channeling Japanese investment into Bangladesh, saying new opportunities were opening up in the country.
Bangladesh is seeking Japanese investment in advanced manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), automobiles, renewable energy and agro-processing in its special economic zones, the prime minister said.
He also sought Japan’s help in diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket, expressing hope that closer economic ties would open new avenues for trade and investment.
Both sides agreed that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would play a key role in deepening trade and investment relations.
The prime minister also asked Japan to back Bangladesh’s skills development programmes and the setting up of Japanese-language training centres. Such initiatives would create job opportunities in Japan and reinforce the two countries’ long-term economic partnership, he said.
The JETRO president said Bangladesh holds strong investment potential, thanks to its economic growth and geographical location. Japanese companies have already shown growing interest in doing business and investing in Bangladesh, he added, drawn by various initiatives the government has taken under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
After the meeting, the prime minister attended a luncheon hosted by Kataoka at his invitation. The two sides also discussed ways to advance bilateral cooperation and economic relations.
Tarique Rahman invited Kataoka to visit Bangladesh at a time convenient for him.
