Accra:Japanese multinational Marubeni Corporation is aiming to expand its investment portfolio in Bangladesh by exploring opportunities in various sectors, including fertiliser production, information technology, energy, ship recycling, and automobile manufacturing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir assured the Marubeni delegation of comprehensive government support. The minister emphasized ongoing efforts to streamline business procedures and foster a more investment-friendly climate for foreign investors.
The meeting with Marubeni Corporation President and CEO Masayuki Omoto included discussions on potential investments in industries such as fertiliser production and Toyota-branded automobile manufacturing. Both parties also considered the progress of the Bangladesh-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The dialogue further explored the diversification of Bangladesh's jute industry and the expansion of bilateral trade. Muktadir highlighted the role of Japanese technology and investment in enhancing Bangladesh's manufacturing sector, particularly in shipbuilding, ship recycling, and agro-based industries. He mentioned efforts to reform policies to attract investment in these areas.
On the topic of jute diversification, the minister noted initiatives to produce higher-value products by blending jute with other materials and improving seed varieties, underscoring the need for international cooperation and investment.
Masayuki Omoto discussed Marubeni's longstanding presence in Bangladesh and potential modernization projects for the Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO). He expressed interest in investing in the production of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilisers, as well as opportunities in artificial intelligence and IT offshoring through the Bangladesh Japan Information Technology (BJIT) initiative.
The meeting also addressed investment in environmentally sound technologies for ship recycling, a proposed Toyota automobile manufacturing venture, and energy security options such as small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
Minister Muktadir reiterated the government's commitment to simplifying company registration and investment approval processes, ensuring profit repatriation, and providing policy support to Japanese investors. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties between Bangladesh and Japan through long-term industrial and technological partnerships.