Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought Japan’s support in diversifying Bangladesh’s export products, saying that expanding the existing economic ties between the two countries would open up new avenues for trade and investment.

The prime minister made the request during a meeting with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) President Tsusumu Kataoka at 11:45 am local time in Japan on Wednesday (October 28).

Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shahadat Swadhin disclosed the information.

The meeting discussed increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh, export diversification, skills development and strengthening trade and economic partnerships between the two countries.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman praised JETRO’s role in expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh.

“New opportunities for Japanese investment are emerging in Bangladesh. In this regard, Bangladesh seeks Japanese investment in advanced manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), automobiles, renewable energy and agro-processing in the country’s special economic zones,” the prime minister said.

Both sides agreed that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would play an important role in strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The prime minister also called on Japan to support Bangladesh’s skills development programmes and the establishment of Japanese language training centres. These initiatives would help create employment opportunities in Japan and further strengthen the long-term economic partnership between the two countries, the meeting noted.

JETRO President Tsusumu Kataoka said Bangladesh was a promising investment destination because of its economic growth and geographical location. He added that various initiatives undertaken by the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had already generated interest among Japanese companies in doing business and investing in Bangladesh.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended a luncheon hosted by Kataoka at the JETRO president’s invitation. The two sides also discussed ways to advance mutual cooperation and economic relations.

The prime minister invited Kataoka to visit Bangladesh at a time convenient to him.

Those present at the meeting included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru 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 Humayun Kabir; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit; Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun; Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan; the prime minister’s additional press secretary; and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.