A delegation led by Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the parent company of Japanese global apparel manufacturer and retailer Uniqlo, met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The meeting took place at 10:30 am local time in Japan on Wednesday (October 28).

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman praised Uniqlo’s confidence in Bangladesh and its parent company Fast Retailing’s longstanding business engagement with the country.

The prime minister called on Uniqlo to increase its investment in Bangladesh’s readymade garment industry, particularly in man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable apparel manufacturing.

The discussions also covered expanding cooperation in technology transfer, skills development, product innovation, advanced manufacturing systems and environmentally friendly production processes.

“The government is ready to provide the necessary support for expanding Uniqlo’s operations in Bangladesh,” the prime minister said.

He also highlighted the government’s willingness to facilitate land allocation, investment approvals and other necessary administrative procedures.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), expressing hope that the agreement would help expand trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Those present on behalf of Bangladesh included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir; State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir; Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury; Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan; and Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon, along with other relevant officials.

The Japanese delegation also included Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. Director Takeshi Okazaki and the company’s Group Senior Executive Officer Yoshihiro Kunii.