Tokyo: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus returned home today, concluding his four-day official visit to Japan that focused on strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser and his delegation arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at approximately 12:15 am on a Singapore Airlines flight. Earlier, the flight had departed from Narita International Airport, Tokyo, with a stopover in Singapore.
During his visit to Japan, Prof Yunus participated in around 20 official engagements, including a significant meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam highlighted that the visit elevated Bangladesh-Japan relations to a new level, particularly through the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba.
The most notable outcome of the visit was the agreement between the two leaders to finalize an Economic Partnership Agreement in the coming months to enhance economic and trade relations. Additionally, Japan committed US$ 1.063 billion to Bangladesh for budget support and railway development.
Three important documents were signed, covering a Development Policy Loan for Economic Reform and Climate Change Resilience (418 million USD), a Loan for the Joydebpur-Ishwardi dual-gauge double-lane railway project (641 million USD), and a grant for the human development scholarship (4.2 million USD).
Prof Yunus also addressed the 'Bangladesh Business Seminar', where six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, focusing on economic and investment cooperation. On Thursday, two additional MoUs were signed to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi manpower and facilitate their employment in Japan, addressing Japan's labor shortage.
The agreements were announced at a human resources seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo. Japanese authorities and businesses expressed plans to recruit at least 100,000 workers from Bangladesh over the next five years.
Prof Yunus also delivered a keynote speech at the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and met with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to seek support for Bangladesh's ASEAN membership bid. Additionally, Prof Yunus received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Soka University for his contributions to social innovation and global development.
Prof Yunus, who was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize in 2004, arrived in Tokyo on May 28.