Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman engaged in discussions with Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), regarding a potential Bangladesh-Japan Skills Partnership and the creation of a Technological Village and Innovation City. The meeting also covered cooperation in areas such as agricultural modernization, agro-processing, and light engineering.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting took place at Hotel Imperial and included proposals from the Bangladesh side for the aforementioned initiatives. Prime Minister Rahman highlighted the importance of Japan's role in Bangladesh's infrastructure and socioeconomic development and expressed gratitude for JICA's contributions.
The discussions underscored the necessity of completing ongoing development projects within their deadlines and expediting approval for priority projects. Prime Minister Rahman also stressed the importance of continuing concessional loan assistance and expanding technical cooperation in alignment with Bangladesh's development goals.
Amid global energy challenges, Bangladesh sought budgetary support to meet its energy needs and ensure energy security. JICA President Dr. Tanaka reaffirmed the agency's commitment to collaborating towards Bangladesh's prosperity.
The meeting was attended by JICA Senior Vice-President Hara Shohei, along with other senior officials from the agency and members of the Bangladesh delegation, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat.