In Tokyo, Tarique Rahman Proposes Tech Park, High-Speed Rail and Joint Commission as One Trillion Yen Investment Is Discussed

At a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park, building a high-speed rail network linking six divisional cities, and forming a ministerial-level joint commission. The summit was held at the Japanese Prime Minister's Office, the Kantei, at 11:30am local time on Tuesday (27 October). Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shahadat Swadhin confirmed this.

The meeting stressed strengthening the two countries' long friendship, expanding trade and investment, and increasing cooperation on energy security, technology and space research, infrastructure development, and regional and international issues. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called on the Japanese government and the country's private sector to engage more actively in achieving Bangladesh's goals of economic development, technological progress and industrialisation.

Noting that the government is working on a plan to turn Bangladesh into an economic, technology and manufacturing hub, the Prime Minister said, 'By 2030 Bangladesh could become the world's ninth-largest consumer economy, and by 2034 the country's gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed one trillion US dollars.'

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to build a research- and technology-driven economy. Through the initiative, he stressed connecting Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh's young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled technology workforce. He said sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing would be prioritised at the proposed tech park. He also expressed interest in expanding Bangladesh's cooperation with Japan's advanced capabilities in space science, satellite engineering and related technology.

Placing special emphasis on ensuring Bangladesh's energy security at the meeting, the Prime Minister said, 'Ensuring reliable and affordable energy supply is essential to keep the country's economic growth going.' He thanked Japan for its long cooperation in this field. Citing the recent 50 billion Japanese yen emergency assistance loan under the 'Partnership for Power Asia' initiative to strengthen energy security in Asia, he called for increased Japanese investment and participation in Bangladesh's liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.

Presenting a plan to build modern and integrated transport infrastructure to accelerate economic growth, the Prime Minister spoke of a high-speed rail network linking the country's six main divisional cities and expressways across the country. He sought Japan's cooperation in planning, technical assistance, investment and financing for such large infrastructure projects. He also noted that Japan's long experience in infrastructure development and modern transport systems could play an important role in realising Bangladesh's development aspirations.

The meeting discussed one trillion Japanese yen (6.3 billion US dollars) in private investment in the energy, infrastructure and ICT sectors. Sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh quickly to implement the plan was also given importance in the discussion.

Welcoming new investment by Japanese businesses in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said his government is committed to increasing transparency, predictability and efficiency in regulation, tax policy, customs clearance and money transfer processes to improve the investment-friendly environment. Expressing hope for quick implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, he said both sides must work together to deliver its benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

In regional and international discussions covering the United Nations, the Indo-Pacific and the Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister raised the two countries' shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and upholding international law. He thanked Japan for its support for the election of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He also reiterated a shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Expressing deep concern over Myanmar's deteriorating situation and the resulting Rohingya displacement crisis, the Prime Minister called for an end to all violence, unimpeded humanitarian assistance and dialogue among all concerned parties. Praising Japan's cooperation with Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya sheltered in Bangladesh, he said, 'The permanent solution to this crisis lies in Myanmar. The Rohingya must be repatriated to their own country voluntarily, safely, with dignity and quickly.' He also called on Japan to continue its active engagement with all parties to establish peace and stability in Rakhine.

In his closing remarks at the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, 'Alongside maintaining the historic continuity of Bangladesh-Japan relations, this summit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the two countries' relations. This chapter will be 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 the two countries' priority sectors, accelerate their implementation and turn cooperation opportunities into effective initiatives. He also stressed increasing close contact and cooperation between the two countries' business communities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the time invited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. He expressed hope that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan would deepen and broaden further in future on the basis of mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity.

The Prime Minister recalled his father, martyred President Ziaur Rahman's two visits to Japan, and his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-Japan relations. He pledged to take the two countries' relations to new heights following in their footsteps. During the visit, Bangladesh and Japan exchanged several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in important fields, and the outcomes of the talks and shared priorities will be set out in a joint statement, the press conference was told.