PM urges more Japanese investment in agri, electronics and automobile sectors

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s agricultural, electronics, and automobile sectors.

He also expressed interest in exporting skilled Bangladeshi manpower, especially to Japan’s health care and agricultural sectors. 

The prime minister expressed his interest when the visiting high-level Japanese delegation led by Agriculture Minister and Special Envoy of the Japan government Suzuki Norikazu called on him at his Sangsad Bhaban office on Wednesday.

Describing Japan as a trusted friend of Bangladesh, the prime minister expressed the hope of further strengthening the bilateral relations that exist between the two friendly countries. 

He also mentioned that one of the priorities of the current government is to create employment for the youth. 

The Japanese delegation positively received the prime minister's proposals, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

During the meeting, Norikazu, on behalf of the Japanese government, congratulated the prime minister on assuming office as the head of the government and expressed the hope of taking Bangladesh-Japan relations to new heights. 

The Japanese minister put emphasis on effectively advancing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries.

Norikazu expressed interest in increasing Japanese food exports to Bangladesh and expanding cooperation in the agricultural and technology sectors.

During the meeting, the Japanese delegation stressed the quick and smooth completion of the work of Matarbari deep sea port, metro rail project, and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which are being implemented with Japanese cooperation. 

The prime minister assured continued cooperation in this regard.

At the same time, the Japanese delegation announced that it would provide $17.5 million in assistance to address the Rohingya crisis, while Tarique Rahman emphasised the safe return of the Rohingyas.

In addition, the visiting delegation invited the prime minister to visit Japan, while the PM expressed the hope for an official visit to Japan at a convenient time.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Politics and Agriculture Nazrul Islam Khan, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi were present at the meeting.