Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday (26 October) called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh's promising sectors, including automobiles, semiconductors, information and communication technology (ICT), renewable energy, agro-processing and advanced manufacturing.
He made the call when Masumi Kakinoki, chairman of Marubeni Corporation and the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation, met him at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo at 3.45pm local time, said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan.
The prime minister said Japanese technology, expertise and experience could help accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and boost economic growth in Bangladesh by expanding investment in these sectors.
He also sought the support of the committee and Marubeni Corporation for the development of the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).
Tarique Rahman emphasised the need for Japanese cooperation to modernise the Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO) and assess the feasibility of setting up a second fertiliser plant in Bangladesh.
He praised Kakinoki's leadership in strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan and thanked him for his role in expanding Japanese investment and business ties as president of Marubeni Corporation.
The prime minister said the Bangladesh government was committed to ensuring an investment-friendly environment for Japanese businesses.
He said the government was working to expand opportunities for Japanese investors through regulatory reforms, simplified investment approval procedures and stronger public-private partnerships.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister's Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman and Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present.
On 11 October, a Marubeni delegation led by its President and CEO Masayuki Omoto met Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, where they discussed expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh and cooperation in information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fertiliser and energy.
Earlier in the morning, the prime minister arrived in Tokyo on a four-day state visit, leading a 16-member high-level delegation.