Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has invited Japanese business leaders to invest more in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s tremendous potential and opportunities. Speaking at the Dhaka Rise of Bengal Tiger: Investment Summit on Thursday at a hotel in Tokyo, she said Bangladesh is emerging as an extremely attractive destination for investment.
The Prime Minister added that Bangladesh will ensure a conducive business environment and equal opportunities and facilities for everyone in the field of business. She mentioned the growing Japanese business and investment in Bangladesh, even amid the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bilateral trade between the two countries has seen significant growth, exceeding $4 billion for the first time in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Sheikh Hasina also pointed out that the number of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh has been steadily increasing over the past few years, especially since 2014 when the two countries embarked on a “comprehensive partnership” and the “big-B” initiative.
Prime Minister expressed that she is confident that even Japanese businessmen are following this upward trend and they will expand their existing businesses and open new ventures in Bangladesh. She stated that our embassy in Tokyo is ready to cooperate and facilitate your initiatives.
Assuring Japanese business leaders, the Prime Minister said, “I want to assure you that our government and relevant institutions are eager to support the business endeavors of Japanese friends in Bangladesh.”
Sheikh Hasina stated that based on the significant outcomes of bilateral relations between the two countries in the past five decades, she is hopeful for greater Japanese initiatives in Bangladesh in the coming years.
The Prime Minister revealed that several regulatory and policy issues raised by Japanese companies have already been addressed. She mentioned Bangladesh’s liberal trade policy in South Asia as the most accommodating.
She stated, “With competitive costs, abundant human resources, high purchasing power, and a rapidly growing middle class, Bangladesh has emerged as an extremely attractive destination for investment.”
Highlighting Bangladesh’s efforts to enhance regional and international market access, the Prime Minister said, “We are establishing high-tech/software technology parks throughout the country. Bangladesh is creating a planned infrastructure base to position itself as a connectivity hub between South Asia and Southeast Asia.”
During the event, top Japanese entrepreneurs discussed investment plans and their future prospects in Bangladesh.
