President seeks more Japanese investment in ICT, tourism sectors

Today, President Mohammed Shahabuddin called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s tourism, ICT, medical, and other developing industries.

He made the call as Shinichi SAIDA, Japan’s new ambassador to Bangladesh, gave the president a presentation of his credentials this afternoon.

“Our relationships have recently been elevated to a “Strategic Partnership” level,” President Shahabuddin stated, referring to Japan as Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner.

He expressed gratitude to Japan for its ongoing support of Bangladesh’s socioeconomic growth and expressed the hope that the two friendly nations’ current bilateral ties would be strengthened in the days ahead.

Following the meeting, President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam told BSS that Japan’s commitment under the BIG-B project, as well as its support and help, have been crucial to the nation’s growth.
 
So far, Bangladesh has received over $23b of Japanese assistance in the form of grants and loans, the President mentioned.

Expressing satisfaction with the increased bilateral trade involving around $4 billion, he said Japan is one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations, and over 350 Japanese companies are currently operating in Bangladesh.
 
Regarding the ongoing bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations, the President emphasized the importance of reaching an early agreement that would lower trade obstacles between the two nations and encourage greater Japanese investment.

The President expressed gratitude for Japan’s humanitarian aid to the Myanmar nationals who had been forcibly displaced in Bangladesh and urged the Japanese government to keep working toward a long-term solution that would allow the Rohingyas to return to their homeland in Rakhine State, Myanmar, in safety and dignity.

His Majesty the Emperor, the Empress, and other members of the Japanese Imperial Family are invited to visit Bangladesh at a time that works for all parties, President Shahabuddin said.

He also assured the ambassador of providing all necessary assistance to the new envoy as he sought President’s support to perform his duty here.
 
Meanwhile, the Japanese ambassador apprised the President of his government’s initiatives, saying that there is an ample scope of investment in trade, commerce and investment.

Japan is keen to invest in diversified sectors in Bangladesh, he added.
 
Earlier, the ambassador received the “guard of honor” from the President Guard Regiment (PGR) group on horseback as part of the state event.

Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin, President’s Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury and Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam, among others, were present.