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Bangladesh and Japan Ink 8 Deals for Industrial and Defence Upgrades

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Bangladesh and Japan have signed 8 agreements and MoUs to strengthen mutual cooperation in areas such as industrial upgrading, defense, agriculture, customs, IT and cybersecurity, intellectual property, ship recycling, and metro rail. The agreements were signed on Wednesday (April 26) in the office of the Prime Minister of Japan, in the presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.

Before the signing of the agreements, the two Prime Ministers held a bilateral meeting with top-level representatives from both sides.

This visit is considered extremely important due to the ongoing global economic slowdown, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both countries will also discuss the issue of strong cooperation to overcome these crises and will also work together to enhance regional security, connectivity, and economic growth.

 

8 Agreement and Contract Memorandum

1. Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding to increase cooperation in agricultural research and development, and capacity building.

2. Japan and Bangladesh governments signed an agreement on mutual cooperation on customs matters. Under this agreement, both countries will ensure the appropriate application of customs laws, prevention, investigation and suppression of customs offenses, and simplify and harmonize customs procedures to enhance cooperation between them.

3. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding on “Bangladesh-Japan Industrial Development Partnership.” The agreement aims to support Bangladesh’s efforts to develop into an advanced economy by 2041 through assistance to the government and private sector to enhance Bangladesh’s trade capacity and product diversity, and explore opportunities for joint industrial development between the two countries. The partnership will also facilitate research and exploration of the potential for mutual industrial cooperation.

4. The governments of Bangladesh and Japan have entered into an agreement to enhance cooperation in defense. Under this agreement, robust collaboration will be fostered in defense dialogue, exchange visits, education, training, courses, seminars, workshops, technology transfer, and other defense-related activities.

5. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan and the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges of Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding cooperation in the metro rail sector. This memorandum covers cooperation in metro rail policy, legislation, and regulations; technology for infrastructure, rolling stock, and systems; safety policy and management; and disaster resilience measures.

6. Japan and Bangladesh have collaborated to commemorate a partnership in the shipbreaking industry, infrastructure, transportation, and tourism sectors by signing a memorandum of cooperation. Bangladesh aims to acquire the necessary capabilities for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships by 2023 through the adoption and implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. Japan will provide essential support to Bangladesh in realizing this goal, including establishing facilities for treatment, preservation, and deactivation. The Hong Kong International Convention will aid Bangladesh in actualizing its objectives and receive maximum assistance from Japan.

7. Japan’s Patent Office and Bangladesh’s Intellectual Property, Design, and Trademark Department have signed a memorandum of cooperation as a symbol of collaboration. Within its scope, the agreement aims to enhance awareness and development of intellectual property (IP) rights and the IP system, including the establishment of information and discussion channels, fostering innovation in industries and development.

8. In the field of information and communication technology, including cybersecurity, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology have established a memorandum of cooperation. This agreement signifies mutual collaboration in the exchange of information and technology, ensuring cyber safety and security, and promoting advancements in the telecom and IT sectors in both countries.

 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito before her meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The meeting took place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Tuesday, April 25th. This trip marks Sheikh Hasina’s return to Japan after three years, having last visited in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this trip, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be visiting three countries. After Japan, she will travel to Washington, D.C., in the United States, and then to the United Kingdom. She is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on Tuesday, May 9th, following the conclusion of her international engagements.

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FBCCI Urges Action Against Unscrupulous Traders

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The Market Monitoring Committee of FBCCI has urged the concerned market committees to be vigilant in preventing traders from engaging in dishonest practices to earn additional profits.

Md Amin Helaly, Senior Vice-President of FBCCI and Convener of the Market Monitoring Committee, issued this call during a meeting of FBCCI’s Market Monitoring Committee with local market committee leaders at Mohammadpur Town Hall Katcha Market in the capital on Wednesday.

Addressing the meeting as the chief guest, Helaly emphasized the importance of identifying and punishing dishonest businessmen and their associates.

He urged the collection of reports on dishonest traders and their submission to FBCCI, stating, “We will take stringent action against them in collaboration with the government.”

Helaly stated that FBCCI is closely monitoring the market to ensure stability during Ramadan, emphasizing the federation’s role in this regard as a representative of the private sector.

He remarked, “Our efforts will continue in coordination with various government agencies. However, consumers also need to adjust their purchasing habits. Market activities for a month should be more balanced than those on any single day.”

Directors of FBCCI and members of the Bazaar Monitoring Committee were also in attendance at the meeting.

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US Stresses Collaboration with Bangladesh on Key Issues: Blinken

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Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken extends congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on their Independence Day, March 26.

Blinken, on behalf of the United States, sends warm wishes to all Bangladeshis on this significant occasion.

In a statement, Blinken expresses the United States’ eagerness to bolster the partnership and people-to-people connections between the two nations in the coming year.

“The United States takes pride in collaborating with Bangladesh on various critical issues of today, including combating climate change, promoting economic development, addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, supporting global peacekeeping efforts, and tackling global health challenges,” he remarks.

Highlighting the partnership’s role in ensuring a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, Blinken emphasizes its significance.

“As Bangladesh marks another year of independence, we reiterate our dedication to strengthening democratic governance and safeguarding human rights – endeavors crucial for Bangladesh’s continued prosperity,” he affirms.

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China-Bangladesh Friendship Strengthened, Notes President Xi Jinping

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Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the robust and deep-rooted political trust between Bangladesh and China, along with their productive collaboration across various sectors, yielding tangible benefits for both nations.

Xi Jinping highlighted Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to independence over the past 53 years, its efforts in economic development, and improvements in livelihoods, laying a strong foundation for the realization of the “Sonar Bangla” dream.

In celebration of Independence Day, Xi Jinping conveyed his congratulations to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin through a letter.

He underscored the longstanding friendship between China and Bangladesh as traditional neighboring nations, noting its continual strengthening.

Xi Jinping expressed his keen interest in advancing the China-Bangladesh relationship and pledged cooperation with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to further enhance high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation and deepen the Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two countries.

Simultaneously, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended separate congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud respectively.

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