Tarique Rahman Calls for Greater Japanese Investment in Bangladesh, Highlights Five Key Sectors

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has held talks with Susumu Kataoka, president of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), focusing on expanding Japanese investment, diversifying Bangladesh's exports and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting took place at 11:45 a.m. local time in Japan on Wednesday, October 28. Discussions covered emerging investment opportunities in Bangladesh, skills development and ways to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties.

Five Sectors Identified for Potential Japanese Investment
During the meeting, Tarique Rahman praised JETRO's role in promoting Japanese investment in Bangladesh. He highlighted the potential for Japanese companies to expand their presence in the country's special economic zones.

The sectors identified as potential investment destinations included:

Advanced manufacturing

Information and communications technology (ICT)

Automobiles

Renewable energy

Agricultural product processing

The prime minister also sought Japanese cooperation in diversifying Bangladesh's export portfolio, expressing hope that stronger economic engagement would open new avenues for trade and investment.

Economic Partnership Agreement in Focus
Both sides underscored the importance of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations.

The discussions also addressed cooperation in workforce development and the establishment of Japanese-language training centres in Bangladesh. These initiatives could help improve employment opportunities in Japan while supporting a stronger, long-term economic partnership between the two countries.

JETRO Chief Sees Investment Potential in Bangladesh
JETRO President Susumu Kataoka described Bangladesh as a promising investment destination, citing its economic growth and geographical position.

According to the account of the meeting, he noted that government initiatives under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership had generated interest among Japanese companies in exploring business and investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

Following the meeting, the prime minister attended a luncheon hosted by Kataoka at his invitation. The two sides continued discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding economic relations.

Tarique Rahman also invited the JETRO president to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.

Senior Bangladesh Officials Attend Meeting
The Bangladesh delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, the prime minister's adviser on finance and planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit.

Also present were Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman, the prime minister's special assistant Shakirul Islam Khan and senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office.