Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday to participate in the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and to hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, reports UNB.
A Cathay Pacific flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage landed at Narita International Airport at 2:05pm ( Tokyo time), 25 minutes ahead of schedule, according to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
Professor Yunus was received at the airport by the Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan, Md Daud Ali.
“This is a very important visit,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during a media briefing held on Tuesday at the Foreign Service Academy.
He noted that Bangladesh is expecting to receive USD 500 million in budgetary support from Japan, in addition to USD 250 million for the railway sector, with further potential support in other areas, as both countries aim to strengthen bilateral relations.
Bangladesh has also sought USD 1 billion from Japan in the form of a soft loan, with a formal announcement expected following the bilateral talks between the two leaders. An exchange of notes is expected to be signed at that time.