Dhaka, Bangladesh – Japan has reiterated its commitment to sustaining and expanding its business, trade, and development cooperation with Bangladesh. Additionally, the country has pledged to support crucial initiatives undertaken by the interim government.

On Thursday, the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, met with Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka. During the meeting, the ambassador assured that Japan remains steadfast in its business operations in Bangladesh and is determined to expand its investments further.

Ambassador Saida Shinichi emphasized Japan’s dedication, stating, “We are firmly committed to continuing our business ventures in Bangladesh. Not only will we maintain our presence, but we also aim to enhance and expand our cooperation in various sectors.”

In response, Chief Advisor Professor Yunus acknowledged Japan as a crucial strategic partner for Bangladesh. He highlighted the government’s eagerness to strengthen bilateral relations and further economic cooperation between the two nations.

“Japan has been one of our closest allies and a major development partner,” said Professor Yunus. “We take immense pride in our relationship with Japan, and our government is keen to further consolidate this partnership.”

Japan holds the position of Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner, playing a pivotal role in the country’s socio-economic progress over the years. The bilateral trade volume between Bangladesh and Japan currently stands at approximately four billion US dollars, with Japan being one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations.

Currently, over 350 Japanese companies are operating in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the country’s industrial and commercial landscape. With Japan’s growing interest in expanding economic collaboration, this number is expected to increase in the coming years.

Professor Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to explore trade opportunities with Japan, as well as with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. He underscored the nation’s ambition to foster trade and economic relations with both eastern and western regions.

“We are actively working to build stronger ties with countries in both the eastern and western spheres,” said Professor Yunus. “This is the right time to expand our business and trade engagements globally.”

The Japanese ambassador reassured continued financial and technical support for Bangladesh’s major ongoing infrastructure projects. These include the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the Matarbari Coal-Fired Power Plant, the Dhaka Metro Rail project, and the expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal. These projects, backed by Japanese investments, are crucial for Bangladesh’s infrastructural development and long-term economic growth.

Additionally, Professor Yunus expressed his gratitude for Japan’s sustained humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees. He also sought Japan’s support in finding a long-term, safe, and dignified resolution to the Rohingya crisis, ensuring their sustainable repatriation.

Japan’s unwavering support continues to reinforce its strategic partnership with Bangladesh, strengthening diplomatic, economic, and developmental ties between the two nations. With a shared vision for mutual growth, both countries look forward to deepening cooperation and exploring new opportunities in the future.