PM Tarique Rahman Meets JETRO President in Tokyo: Seeks Japan's Cooperation in Export Diversification, Calls for Investment in Special Economic Zones

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought Japan's cooperation in diversifying Bangladesh's export products and creating new fields of investment. He called for increased Japanese investment in advanced manufacturing industries, information and communication technology, automobiles, renewable energy and agricultural product processing in the special economic zones.

The prime minister made the call at a meeting with Kataoka Susumu, president of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), at 11:45am local time in Japan on Wednesday (28 October). The prime minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin gave this information.

The meeting discussed increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh, export diversification, skills development and strengthening the trade and economic partnership between the two countries.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said: 'New opportunities for Japanese investment are being created in Bangladesh. In this regard, Bangladesh wants Japanese investment in advanced manufacturing industries, information and communication technology (ICT), automobiles, renewable energy and agricultural product processing in Bangladesh's special economic zones.'

The prime minister praised JETRO's role in expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh. He said it is possible to open new fields of trade and investment by further expanding the existing economic relationship between the two countries.

At the meeting, both sides agreed that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will play an important role in strengthening the trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

The prime minister also called on Japan for cooperation in Bangladesh's skills development programmes and in establishing Japanese language training centres. It was mentioned at the meeting that these initiatives will help create employment opportunities in Japan and further strengthen the long-term economic partnership between the two countries.

JETRO President Kataoka Susumu said Bangladesh is promising for investment because of its economic growth and geographical location. He said that, as a result of various initiatives of the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, interest among Japanese companies in business and investment in Bangladesh has been created.

After the meeting, the prime minister attended a luncheon hosted by Kataoka Susumu at his invitation. At that time, advancing mutual cooperation and the economic relationship between the two countries was also discussed. The prime minister invited Kataoka Susumu to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time for him.

Present at the time were Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, the prime minister's Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Invest Bangladesh Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostakur Rahman, the prime minister's Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan, and senior officials of the Prime Minister's Office including the prime minister's additional press secretary.