Tokyo:Bangladesh and Japan have signed six instruments and pledged two loan projects during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's four-day visit to Japan. The agreements aim to strengthen coastal security, improve the investment climate, and expand cooperation in skills, agriculture, and climate change.
According to United News of Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir announced the agreements and loan commitments at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo. This announcement was made on Wednesday, marking the third day of the Prime Minister's visit. Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon also participated in the press briefing.
The agreements include four memorandums of cooperation (MoCs) and a grant agreement. Additionally, 17 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between private-sector entities at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The grant agreement includes up to 2.12 billion yen ($13.44 million) for a patrol vessel to enhance Bangladesh's coastal security capabilities.
A notable MoC was signed on economic relations and business environment improvement between Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance. Another MoC involved cooperation between Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Bangladesh's Ministry of Agriculture.
Further agreements include an MoC on the Employment for Skill Development Programme (ESDP) and cooperation in the fisheries and livestock sectors between Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Bangladesh's Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Lastly, a Letter of Intent on climate change cooperation was signed between Japan's Ministry of the Environment and Bangladesh's Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
In addition to these agreements, Japan pledged two loan projects to support Bangladesh's development. These include a 15.88 billion yen ($100.8 million) project to improve the investment environment and a 30.68 billion yen ($194.7 million) loan for the Upazila Governance and Development Project (Phase 2).