Tokyo:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to Japan marks a significant opportunity to rekindle business and investment prospects that have been overlooked during the past 15 years. The visit aims to establish a renewed bilateral partnership grounded in transparency, accountability, and sustainable investment, as stated by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister highlighted that previous trust deficits and corruption under Sheikh Hasina's government had hampered bilateral relations with Japan. However, the recent democratic transition in Bangladesh has paved the way for enhanced partnership opportunities, which Kobir emphasized during a press briefing at the Bangladesh Embassy on the first day of the Prime Minister's four-day visit.
Kobir elaborated that the visit has generated significant international interest in Bangladesh, particularly following the August 5 uprising and the establishment of an elected government. The new administration's foreign and economic policies have caught the attention of stakeholders globally, including Japanese government officials and private-sector representatives eager to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
The visit is considered a milestone in Bangladesh-Japan relations, with historical ties dating back to visits by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. On the first day of his visit, Prime Minister Rahman engaged in meetings with a Japanese parliamentary delegation led by former Prime Minister Taro Aso, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka.
Key discussions during these meetings focused on enhancing bilateral relations, expanding trade and Japanese investment, technology transfer, skills development, and cooperation in infrastructure and other development priorities. The Prime Minister also emphasized modernizing the Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited and exploring the establishment of a second fertilizer factory.
At the meeting with JICA President Tanaka, topics included continued Japanese support for infrastructure and economic development projects, faster implementation of ongoing initiatives, and proposals for a Bangladesh-Japan Skills Partnership and a Technological Village and Innovation City.
The day's final engagement was a dinner hosted by Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa in honor of Prime Minister Rahman. The visit is set to continue with additional engagements, including bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aiming to further solidify the partnership between Bangladesh and Japan.