Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended an invitation to Japan's Marubeni Corporation to invest in Bangladesh's information technology, fertilizer, and energy sectors. This offer was made during a meeting with a delegation led by Marubeni's President and CEO Masayuki Omoto at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister highlighted Bangladesh's economic potential and the government's efforts to attract both domestic and foreign investment. He noted the longstanding business relationship between Bangladesh and Marubeni, particularly in jute products, and emphasized the need to expand cooperation into new sectors.
The discussions with Marubeni covered investment opportunities in IT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fertilizer, and energy. The possibility of establishing a second Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) plant was also considered. The Prime Minister stressed Bangladesh's potential to become an international service hub through the development of skilled human resources in IT and cybersecurity.
Also discussed was the potential launch of an AI-powered data center in Bangladesh within the next year, with possible investment and technological collaboration from Marubeni. The meeting explored the use of modern technologies and AI in agriculture to boost production and management, with Marubeni's investment and technical assistance.
Marubeni expressed interest in expanding its current investment in KAFCO and potentially setting up a second plant. Optimism was shared regarding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, which is expected to strengthen trade and investment ties.
The meeting was attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Md Shakirul Islam Khan. Marubeni was represented by Susumu Wakamori, Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Asia, and Manabu Sugawara, the company's Country Head in Bangladesh.