TOKYO, October 27 - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on Japan to expand its role in Bangladesh’s industrialization, energy security and technological advancement, proposing deeper cooperation in energy, infrastructure, information technology and investment. Report BSS
At a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Kantei on Tuesday, the two leaders discussed a plan to attract private investment worth 1 trillion yen (about $6.3 billion) in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and ICT sectors. A Japanese team is expected to visit Bangladesh soon to accelerate implementation of the proposed investment plan.
Emphasizing the importance of reliable and affordable energy supplies for economic growth, Tarique Rahman sought greater Japanese investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy. He also thanked Japan for its emergency assistance loan of 50 billion yen under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative to strengthen regional energy security.
The prime minister highlighted Bangladesh’s ambition to become a regional hub for manufacturing, technology and economic activity. He proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park focusing on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing to facilitate technology transfer, innovation and skilled employment.
He also sought Japanese technical and financial support for major transport infrastructure projects, including a proposed high-speed railway linking six divisional cities and a nationwide elevated-road network.
Tarique Rahman said his government was committed to improving the investment climate through greater transparency and efficiency in regulatory procedures, taxation, customs clearance and fund transfers. He also called for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.
The two leaders exchanged memorandums of understanding in key areas following the summit. Tarique Rahman also proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas and accelerate bilateral cooperation.
The prime minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit at Takaichi’s invitation. He is also scheduled to address the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.
