Dhaka – Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, are scheduled to hold bilateral talks in Tokyo on Tuesday, as the Bangladeshi leader began his four-day official visit to the East Asian nation on Monday.
Strengthening the strategic partnership, trade, and investment are expected to be the major focus of the meeting, scheduled to begin at 11 am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, Kantei, according to the Prime Minister’s travel itinerary.
The two leaders are likely to address a joint press conference following the talks, said Shahadat Shadhin, deputy press secretary of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.
Takaichi will formally welcome Prime Minister Tarique Rahman before the two leaders hold the talks, he said. The Bangladesh premier will lead a high-level delegation at the meeting.
Tarique Rahman arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone.
Bangladesh calls for more Japanese investment
On his arrival on Monday, Tarique Rahman held a meeting with Masumi Kakinoki, chairman of Marubeni Corporation and president of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC), at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister sought Japan’s cooperation in modernizing Bangladesh’s Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and exploring the possibility of establishing a second fertilizer factory in Bangladesh, as part of his government’s efforts to strengthen bilateral economic ties and attract Japanese investment.
He also called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s promising sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT), renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
“The government is committed to creating an investment-friendly environment by reforming regulations, simplifying investment approval procedures, and strengthening public-private partnerships to make it easier for Japanese businesses to invest and operate in Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by his deputy press secretary.
He also praised Kakinoki’s leadership in promoting trade and economic cooperation between the two countries and thanked him for his role in expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh and strengthening bilateral business ties.
Kakinoki expressed the hope that the effective implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries would expand bilateral trade, increase Japanese investment, and create new business opportunities.
Earlier this month, a Marubeni delegation led by its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Masayuki Omoto met the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka.
The meeting discussed cooperation in information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fertilizer, and energy, as well as ways to expand Japanese investment in Bangladesh.
This is Tarique Rahman’s third overseas state visit since he took office on February 12 last year. Before the Japan visit, he travelled to Malaysia and China on state visits. He also visited New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Bangladesh Delegation
Tarique Rahman reached Tokyo at 9:05 am local time on Monday, leading a 16-member high-level delegation.
The Bangladesh delegation includes 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 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.
Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon are among other delegation members.
Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party acting Secretary General Azizul Hoque Islamabadi, and Am Janata Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman are also accompanying the Prime Minister.
