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.
