Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged greater Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s high-potential industries, such as ICT, green energy, and high-tech manufacturing, via foreign direct investment (FDI) and public-private partnerships (PPP).

He extended the appeal when Masumi Kakinoki, chairman of Marubeni Corporation and the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC), called on him at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo at 3:45 pm (local time), stated Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.

In the course of the discussion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pointed out diverse prospects for Japanese investors across thriving sectors like information and communication technology (ICT), green energy, and high-tech manufacturing.

“There are opportunities for investment in these sectors through foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships,” he said.

He likewise emphasized the necessity of solidifying the Bangladesh-Japan economic alliance.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the administration is dedicated to establishing a business-friendly climate and is striving to broaden avenues for Japanese enterprises through regulatory overhauls, streamlined investment clearance processes, and enhanced public-private partnerships.

Kakinoki voiced optimism that the successful execution of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan will assist in broadening bilateral commerce, boosting Japanese investments, and generating novel commercial avenues between the two nations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also requested Japanese assistance to upgrade the Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO) and evaluate the viability of establishing a second fertilizer plant in Bangladesh.

He appealed for the backing of the JBCCEC and Marubeni Corporation toward the development of the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman commended Kakinoki’s stewardship in advancing trade and economic collaboration between Bangladesh and Japan and expressed gratitude for his contribution to broadening Japanese investments locally and cementing commercial ties between the two nations.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment Affairs in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were in attendance.

On October 11, a Marubeni delegation, headed by its President and CEO Masayuki Omoto, met PM Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka.

They deliberated on expanding Japanese investments in Bangladesh alongside collaboration across information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fertilizer, and energy sectors.

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman touched down in Tokyo on a four-day state trip, heading a 16-member high-ranking delegation.

With Inputs from UNB