Accra:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended an invitation to Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation to invest in Bangladesh's information technology, fertilizer, and energy sectors. This invitation was extended during a meeting with Marubeni's President and CEO Masayuki Omoto at the Prime Minister's office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister emphasized the historical business ties between Bangladesh and Marubeni, particularly in jute products, and expressed the need to expand and strengthen cooperation in new sectors. Discussions during the meeting covered investment opportunities in IT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fertilizer, and energy, including the establishment of a second Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) plant in Bangladesh.
The talks also touched on Bangladesh's potential to become an international service hub, with a focus on developing skilled human resources in IT and cybersecurity. The possibility of launching an AI-powered data center in Bangladesh within the next year was discussed, highlighting potential cooperation from Marubeni.
Additionally, the meeting explored the use of modern technologies and AI in agriculture, with potential investment and technical assistance from Marubeni to enhance agricultural production and management.
Marubeni expressed interest in expanding its existing investment in KAFCO and considering a second plant. The meeting conveyed optimism about the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, which is expected to enhance trade and investment ties.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and other officials from both Bangladesh and Marubeni attended the meeting. Marubeni was represented by its Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Asia, Susumu Wakamori, and the company's Country Head in Bangladesh, Manabu Sugawara.