In a recent statement, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh expressed her country’s willingness to allocate more space within its Export Processing Zones (EPZs) for Japanese companies interested in establishing industries in Bangladesh. This declaration came as a Japanese delegation conveyed the strong interest of numerous Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh.
During discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for Japanese investments. She stated, “Bangladesh has provided space to Japan in the EPZs, and we can allocate more space if Japan intends to establish industries.”
The Japanese parliamentary delegation, comprising five members and led by Nakanishi Yusuke, Director of the Committee on General Affairs in the House of Councillors, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at her official residence, Ganabhaban. After the meeting, the Prime Minister’s press secretary, Ihsanul Karim, briefed reporters on the discussions.
The Japanese delegation emphasized the importance of further strengthening the existing development partnership between Japan and Bangladesh. They highlighted Japan’s involvement in various significant projects, including the metro-rail, and praised Japan’s contributions to infrastructure development in Bangladesh, particularly in mega projects.
The delegation also commended the recently initiated direct flight between Dhaka and Narita, emphasizing its potential to enhance connectivity between the two nations. They underscored the need to maintain peace in the Indian Ocean region to facilitate trade and business.
Additionally, the Japanese delegation praised Bangladesh’s remarkable achievements in women’s empowerment and education. In response, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted that a significant number of girls in Bangladesh receive education in educational institutions, often surpassing the enrollment of boys. She also mentioned that her government provides free education to girls.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina further sought Japanese assistance in the construction of a sea aquarium in Bangladesh, emphasizing the potential benefits of such a project.
In a separate meeting, Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, informed the Prime Minister that the foundation will provide USD 3 million in support of the Rohingya population on Bhasanchar Island. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated the importance of the Rohingya people returning to their home country, Myanmar, and highlighted ongoing communication efforts with the Myanmar government in this regard.
Yohei Sasakawa, who survived the Second World War along with his mother when over one lakh people died, commended the strong friendship between Bangladesh and Japan. He also praised Bangladesh’s efforts to eliminate leprosy and rehabilitate those affected by the disease. The Nippon Foundation Chairman invited the Prime Minister to participate in the National Leprosy Conference scheduled to take place in Dhaka in October this year.
The meetings were attended by Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminon.
