Economy
“Boosting Bilateral Trade: Bangladesh and Japan Exchange 11 MoUs”
Bangladesh and Japan have exchanged 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to boost bilateral trade during the investment conference “The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Trade and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and Japan” held in Tokyo on Thursday, April 27th. The MoUs were signed between private companies from both countries and included the participation of JICA and JBIC. The Chairman of the BCCI, Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, gave a presentation at the event.
11 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)
1. Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering closer and more productive cooperation between the two countries in the fields of bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and participation in events. The agreement seeks to identify and address the various impediments to trade and investment between the two countries and establish a reliable and fruitful communication channel between the two business groups to facilitate collaboration and mutual support.
2. Lion Kallol Limited (LKL) in Bangladesh aims to expand its business further and has signed an agreement with Lion and BSEJ (Bangladesh SEZ Authority) for the allocation of land.
3. The development, construction, and operation of a high-performance 700-megawatt combined cycle gas-fired power plant in Anowara, Chattogram, is set to be enhanced through a contract signed by Japan’s ITOCHU and Bangladesh’s KEPCO and AKH PPP Project.
4. A new solar power project will be jointly invested in and developed by Marubeni of Japan and the Dorin Group of Bangladesh, as they have signed an agreement. The goal is to form a business and capital partnership, and undertake a collaborative initiative.
5. Marubeni and the Bangladeshi business conglomerate BIIT have signed a pact to establish a joint venture with the aim of promoting investment and development.
6. Medina Dental Company of Japan and AICHI Health Care Group of Bangladesh have signed an agreement to jointly establish a Japanese standard dental laboratory in Bangladesh.
7. Sumitomo Corporation of Japan and Parka Bangladesh Limited of Bangladesh have signed a pact to collaborate on the development of a 200 megawatt solar power plant in Bangladesh, both on the surface and on the ground.
8. The objective is to establish a new cyber security training center in Bangladesh, and for this purpose, a collaboration agreement has been signed between Japan’s Pipeline and Bangladesh’s Euro Vigil.
9. As part of a joint venture to construct a thermal power plant in Bangladesh, a partnership agreement has been signed between Japan’s JERA and Bangladesh’s Summit Group.
10. An exchange of letters (EOL) has been signed between the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to enhance mutual cooperation in financial services.
11. Furthermore, in order to promote knowledge exchange, business collaboration, and mutual cooperation in the IT industry between the two countries, Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association (JISA) and Bangladesh Association of Software & Information Services (BASIS) have signed an agreement.
On Thursday, April 27, according to local time in Tokyo, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina exchanged views with selected Japanese business leaders at a hotel. During the meeting, she stated that Bangladesh will continue to prioritize the development of a conducive business environment and ensure equal opportunities and facilities for everyone in the field of business.
She highlighted the growing Japanese businesses and investments in Bangladesh, even amidst the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their bilateral trade has surpassed the milestone of $4 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2021-22.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the number of Japanese companies working in Bangladesh has gradually increased over the past few years, especially since 2014 when they entered into “comprehensive partnership” and the Big-B Initiative.
She expressed hope that Japanese business leaders will continue to follow this positive trend and expand their existing businesses and establish new ones in Bangladesh.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
