Tokyo:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to engage in bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on October 27. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral relations, deepen economic partnerships, and boost Japanese investment in Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam announced the upcoming visit during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Scheduled to begin on October 26, the visit follows an invitation from the Japanese premier. Both Dhaka and Tokyo made simultaneous announcements regarding the visit.
Prime Minister Rahman will lead the Bangladesh delegation for the high-level bilateral meeting scheduled at the Japanese premier's office on October 27. A luncheon hosted by Takaichi will honor Rahman. Discussions are underway regarding draft memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, human resource development, skills, domestic aviation, trade, environmental conservation, and local government modernization. Siam expressed optimism that many of these agreements would be signed during the visit.
The visit is seen as a timely opportunity to enhance the strategic partnership and expand cooperation in mutual interest areas. The Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in February 2026, has opened avenues for increased bilateral trade and investment. Talks will focus on implementing this agreement, expanding market access for Bangladeshi products in Japan, attracting Japanese investments, and strengthening business engagements.
Renewable energy, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation, skills development, and human resource training are additional topics expected to feature in the discussions. Prime Minister Rahman is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum and meet with various Japanese organizations and committees.
The visit will include tours of energy and industrial installations, including an LNG terminal, a nuclear headquarters, and a Toyota plant in Nagoya. Japan, a key development partner for Bangladesh, supports major infrastructure projects such as the metro rail, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Third Terminal, and Matarbari.
The visit is anticipated to accelerate ongoing projects, attract new private investments, and strengthen economic, development, and security cooperation. Japanese support for establishing factories, generating employment, and human resource development in Bangladesh will be prioritized.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the two leaders will discuss regional and international peace, the Rohingya crisis, the global energy crisis, and efforts to resolve international conflicts. In April, Rahman participated in an online meeting with the Japanese premier, where Bangladesh supported a Japan-led initiative to tackle energy challenges in Asia.