Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for stronger cooperation with Japan in energy, technology, infrastructure and investment, proposing a Bangladesh-Japan technology park and seeking Japanese support for major transport projects to accelerate the country’s economic transformation.
At a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Kantei in Tokyo, Tarique urged the Japanese government and private sector to become more actively involved in Bangladesh’s economic development, technological advancement and industrialisation.
The meeting also discussed plans to attract 1 trillion Japanese yen, equivalent to about US$6.3 billion, in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. The two sides emphasised sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to help advance the plan.
Tarique said Bangladesh was working to become a regional hub for the economy, technology and manufacturing. He expressed optimism that the country could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030 and surpass a gross domestic product of $1 trillion by 2034, according to the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
The two leaders discussed strengthening the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, expanding trade and investment, ensuring energy security, advancing technology and space research, developing infrastructure, and enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues.
Tarique said Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. He recalled Japan’s early recognition of Bangladesh after its independence in 1971 and its longstanding contribution to the country’s socioeconomic progress.
He also recalled visits to Japan by his late father, President Ziaur Rahman, and the contributions of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening bilateral relations. He pledged to take the partnership to new heights.
Energy Security
Tarique stressed the need for reliable and affordable energy supplies to sustain economic growth.
He thanked Japan for its longstanding support and referred to a recent emergency support loan of 50 billion Japanese yen under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative.
The prime minister called for greater Japanese investment and participation in liquefied natural gas infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy in Bangladesh.
Technology and Infrastructure
To help develop a technology-driven economy, Tarique proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with young Bangladeshi talent, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.
He identified artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing as priority sectors for the proposed park. He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies.
On infrastructure, Tarique outlined plans to develop a modern, integrated transport network, including high-speed rail linking the country’s six major divisional cities and a nationwide network of elevated roads.
He sought Japanese assistance with planning, technical support, investment and financing for the proposed infrastructure projects, saying Japan’s experience in infrastructure development and modern transport systems could help Bangladesh realise its ambitions.
Trade and Investment
Welcoming greater Japanese investment, Tarique said his government was committed to improving the investment climate by making regulations, tax policies, customs clearance and fund-transfer procedures more transparent, predictable and efficient.
He also expressed hope for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing the need for both sides to work together to ensure its benefits reach their people.
Regional and International Issues
On international affairs, Tarique highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law.
He thanked Japan for supporting the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He also expressed hope for close cooperation in strengthening multilateralism and addressing global challenges.
Reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, Tarique called for greater cooperation in regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth.
He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting Rohingya displacement crisis. He called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned.
Appreciating Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to shelter forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Tarique urged Tokyo to remain actively engaged with all parties to help restore peace and stability in Rakhine.
He said a lasting solution to the crisis must be found in Myanmar and stressed the need to ensure the Rohingyas’ early, safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation.
Proposal for Joint Commission
In his concluding remarks, Tarique said the summit would open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations, built on deeper trust, broader economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.
He proposed establishing a ministerial-level joint commission to identify priority areas, accelerate implementation and turn opportunities for cooperation into practical initiatives.
The prime minister also called for closer engagement between the business communities of the two countries.
He invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, expressing hope that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to deepen through mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity.
The bilateral summit between Tarique and Takaichi began at 11:45am local time at the Kantei.
The meeting followed a formal welcome at 11:30am, a guard of honour and the introduction of the two leaders’ respective delegations.