Dhaka: The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) held a vital meeting today at the BCI office in the city. The meeting was hosted by BCI President Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) and attended by JETRO Country Representative Kazuiki Kataoka, as stated in a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, other attendees included BCI directors Dr. Delowar Hossain Raja and Nazmul Anwar, BCI Member Ziauddin, and JETRO Senior Director Shoriful Alam. The proceedings were moderated by BCI Secretary General Dr. Md. Helal Uddin, NDC.
During the discussion, Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury highlighted that sectors such as cottage, micro, and small industries hold significant potential in the country. However, he noted that these sectors currently face a shortage of skilled manpower. As a national industry chamber, BCI recognizes that developing skilled manpower is crucial for achieving national economic objectives.
Chowdhury expressed confidence that training in promising industrial sectors, including micro and small industries, automobile, agri-machinery, light engineering, and agro-processing industries, could address the skilled manpower shortage. He proposed a strategy to bring skilled trainers from a technologically advanced country like Japan to Bangladesh. These foreign experts would train local instructors (Training of Trainers – ToT) who would then create skilled workers and managers nationwide, helping to eliminate the skill deficit.
In response, Kazuiki Kataoka confirmed JETRO’s commitment to assisting Japanese investment and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh and aims to increase the overall level of Japanese investment in the country. After learning about the activities of BCI, Kataoka identified many opportunities for collaboration with the organization and committed to arranging a meeting between BCI and Japanese industrial entrepreneurs and investors for further discussions.
Kataoka concluded by stating that JETRO and BCI will maintain communication on matters of mutual interest and thanked the BCI President for the invitation.