Tokyo:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has concluded his four-day official visit to Japan, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, attracting investment, and expanding trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prime Minister Rahman, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and his entourage departed Narita International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 1044 pm local time. The visit, conducted at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, included high-level discussions, the signing of cooperation agreements, and engagement with Japanese business leaders regarding investment opportunities.
During the visit, both prime ministers engaged in talks at the Japanese Prime Minister's Office on October 27, focusing on strengthening their longstanding partnership, particularly in trade, investment, energy security, infrastructure, technology, and space research. They also discussed a potential private investment of one trillion Japanese yen in Bangladesh's energy, infrastructure, and ICT sectors. To expedite this investment plan, they considered sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh.
Several agreements were signed, including six bilateral cooperation instruments and pledges for two yen-loan projects worth approximately US$295.5 million. A notable grant agreement involved up to 2.12 billion yen for a patrol vessel to enhance Bangladesh's coastal security. Memorandums of cooperation were also signed in areas such as business environment improvement, agriculture, skill development, fisheries, livestock, and climate change.
Prime Minister Rahman addressed the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum Dialogue, inviting Japanese companies to invest in key areas such as automotive manufacturing, energy, technology and space, high-speed rail, logistics, and agro-processing. He assured government support and reforms to improve the business environment.
Meetings with Japanese political leaders and business executives, including former Prime Minister Taro Aso and JICA President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, were also part of the visit. The Prime Minister explored investment opportunities with major Japanese companies like Uniqlo, Mitsui & Co., Sumitomo Corporation, and JERA.
The visit included tours of JERA's LNG terminal and power plant, the Nittsu Logistics Hub, and Toyota Motor Corporation's Motomachi factory and museum. This visit follows the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement between Bangladesh and Japan in February 2026, which aims to further strengthen economic ties. Japan remains a significant development partner for Bangladesh, supporting major infrastructure projects.