PM seeks Japan’s support to diversify Bangladesh’s exports

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought Japan’s cooperation in diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket and expanding trade and investment opportunities as the two countries look to strengthen their economic partnership.

He made the call during a meeting with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) President Susumu Kataoka in Tokyo at 11:45am local time, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.

The Prime Minister also called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s special economic zones, particularly in advanced manufacturing, ICT, automobiles, renewable energy and agro-processing, as he sought stronger trade and economic ties between the two countries.

He praised JETRO’s role in expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh, saying new opportunities are emerging for Japanese companies in the country.

Both sides agreed that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will play an important role in strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

Tarique also called for Japanese support for skills development programmes and the establishment of Japanese language training centres in Bangladesh.

He said such initiatives will help create employment opportunities in Japan and strengthen the long-term economic partnership between the two countries.

JETRO President Susumu Kataoka said Bangladesh has strong investment potential because of its economic growth and geographical location.

He said Japanese companies are already showing interest in doing business and investing in Bangladesh in response to various initiatives taken by the government under Tarique’s leadership.

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After the meeting, Tarique attended a luncheon hosted by Kataoka at the latter’s invitation, where they also discussed advancing bilateral cooperation and economic relations.

The Prime Minister invited the JETRO president to visit Bangladesh at his convenience.

The Bangladesh delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, PM’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, PM’s Special Assistant Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and other senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.