Tokyo joint statement: Takaichi welcomes prospect of one trillion yen investment and 200,000 jobs in Bangladesh over five years

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has welcomed the prospect of one trillion yen in Japanese investment in Bangladesh over the next five years and the possibility of creating 200,000 jobs as a result. She praised Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s efforts to attract that investment.

The investment prospect was highlighted in a joint statement issued after the two prime ministers’ bilateral summit in Tokyo on Tuesday (October 27).

The meeting took place on the second day of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to Japan from October 26 to 29.

The two leaders welcomed the major investment initiatives announced on the occasion. They agreed to strengthen economic cooperation by ensuring sustainable supply systems, improved connectivity and a business-friendly environment.

It was also decided to upgrade the two countries’ main bilateral initiative to ‘Big-B for Shared Prosperity’. That will expand the initiative’s scope to address emerging economic opportunities, supply system risks, technological change and geopolitical uncertainty.

Under the initiative, the two prime ministers agreed to advance development in power, energy, deep seaport, industry and ICT infrastructure together, build a major centre for industrial value chains, and at the same time create a gateway for trade and supply.

The initiative’s four priorities are improving connectivity; increasing capacity to face natural disasters and geopolitical uncertainty; encouraging public-private partnership in economic growth and policymaking; and expanding cooperation for peace and stability.

Under this framework, the two countries will work together to develop the Matarbari-Maheshkhali area, centred on the Matarbari deep seaport, as a large logistics, energy and industrial centre.

Placing special importance on regional connectivity, the two prime ministers agreed to advance preparatory work for the quick launch of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. They also spoke of quickly advancing construction of MRT lines in Dhaka and of discussions on future cooperation including the operation and management of the Matarbari deep seaport.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi praised the Tarique Rahman government’s initiatives to attract foreign direct investment to Bangladesh. She welcomed the prospect of Japanese private sector investment and job creation over the next five years.

The two leaders agreed to build complementary and sustainable supply systems in manufacturing, food and agriculture, information and communications technology and the pharmaceutical industry.

Takaichi stressed the need to further improve Bangladesh’s investment environment. In response, Tarique Rahman highlighted his government’s recent initiatives. He pledged to make business easier through improved policies, transparency and feasibility checks. That pledge will also apply to taxation, customs clearance, money transfer and licensing activities.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division (ERD) to improve economic relations and the business environment. They also welcomed two separate MoCs between Japan’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries ministry and Bangladesh’s agriculture ministry and fisheries and livestock ministry.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). They also reaffirmed a pledge to make the agreement effective quickly to ensure mutual welfare for the peoples of both countries, and expressed determination to emphasise trade, investment and industrial diversification through it.

Takaichi said Japan looks forward to further discussion of Bangladesh’s request to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a free, fair and rules-based international economic system.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked Japan for 50 billion yen in assistance under Japan’s emergency support loan programme for increasing economic stability and ensuring stable energy supply. Under the ‘Power Asia’ initiative, this is Japan’s first yen loan project of its kind.

Continuing bilateral ICT cooperation, the two leaders recognised the importance of exploring new possibilities in digital transformation, creating highly skilled ICT professionals and safe and reliable digital communications. They also agreed to continue cooperation in human resource development, building a skilled workforce and facing social risks.

The two leaders welcomed a financing pledge for the ‘Upazila Governance and Development Project (Phase-2)’ under the yen loan programme, aimed at increasing the administrative and financial capacity of local governments.

The two leaders welcomed the signing and entry into force of an agreement on transfer of defence equipment and technology. They also welcomed the provision of one patrol vessel under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme and five patrol craft under its Official Security Assistance programme.

The Japanese prime minister praised Bangladesh’s vibrant democracy. She welcomed the credible and peaceful general election held in February 2026 and congratulated Tarique Rahman on taking office as prime minister.