Accra:According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Japanese multinational Marubeni Corporation has shown interest in expanding its investments in Bangladesh, focusing on sectors such as fertiliser production, information technology, energy, ship recycling, and automobile manufacturing.
During a meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce, Marubeni Corporation's President and CEO Masayuki Omoto, along with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, discussed these opportunities. Muktadir assured the company of the government's full support, emphasizing efforts to streamline business processes and create a more investment-friendly environment for foreign investors.
The discussions also covered the potential for signing and implementing the Bangladesh-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further enhance bilateral trade and investment. Both sides highlighted the importance of Japanese technology and expertise in advancing Bangladesh's manufacturing sector, particularly in shipbuilding, agro-based industries, and high-tech sectors.
Omoto highlighted Marubeni's longstanding presence in Bangladesh and explored opportunities to modernize the Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and improve the use of natural gas. He also expressed interest in investing in new technologies for the production of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilisers.
The meeting also addressed the potential for cooperation in the information technology sector, with particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and IT offshoring. Discussions included investment in environmentally sound ship recycling technologies, a proposed Toyota automobile manufacturing venture, and ensuring a stable electricity supply to economic zones.
Both parties emphasized the importance of simplifying company registration, trade licensing, and investment approval procedures, as well as facilitating the repatriation of profits and capital by foreign investors. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepening Bangladesh-Japan economic relations and building long-term partnerships in industry and technology.