PM Promotes Bangladesh as Japan’s Next Manufacturing Hub

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh’s energy, automotive, technology, renewable energy and high-speed rail sectors, promising reforms to create a more investor-friendly business environment.

On the third day of his four-day visit to Japan, Tarique met senior Japanese government officials and business leaders, presenting Bangladesh as an emerging investment destination. He also outlined opportunities for cooperation in trade, technology, education, skills development and industrial growth.

The visit comes as Bangladesh seeks to translate its longstanding partnership with Japan into increased private investment, employment opportunities and greater export diversification. The two countries signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in February.

Addressing the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum Dialogue at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Tokyo on Wednesday, Tarique said Bangladesh wanted to deepen economic ties with Japan through expanded trade and investment.

“Bangladesh now seeks substantial investment rather than aid,” he said, highlighting the country’s large domestic market, young workforce and expanding middle class.

Investment Opportunities Across Key Sectors

Delivering the keynote address at JETRO Hall, Tarique invited Japanese businesses to explore five major areas of cooperation that could generate mutual economic benefits.

He identified automotive manufacturing, energy, information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence, robotics, electronics, space technology, agriculture-related industries and logistics as promising areas for investment.

The prime minister noted that Bangladesh has a population of more than 180 million and a median workforce age of 27. He also projected that the country would become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, with its annual gross domestic product expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2034.

The government aims to transform Bangladesh into a global manufacturing hub, enabling companies to serve the domestic market while using the country as a base for exports.

According to Tarique, Japanese automotive manufacturers, major retailers and agricultural machinery developers have already taken steps towards establishing factories in the Japanese Economic Zone in Araihazar. He assured investors of the government’s support for their initiatives.

Acknowledging concerns among Japanese businesses about reliable energy supplies, infrastructure efficiency, customs clearance and taxation, he said the government had addressed some of these challenges and was working to resolve the remaining issues.

“I fully understand that businesses need certainty. Investors need confidence. Our job is creating the right environment to deliver both,” he said.

Economic Partnership Agreement to Boost Trade

The EPA is expected to strengthen bilateral trade by granting 7,379 Bangladeshi products duty-free access to the Japanese market. Japanese products, including steel, automotive parts and electronic components, will also benefit from preferential access to Bangladesh.

Tarique said streamlined investment regulations, improved access to services and simplified customs procedures under the agreement would create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

During a meeting with JETRO President Susumu Kataoka, the prime minister sought Japan’s assistance in diversifying Bangladesh’s exports and attracting investment in manufacturing, ICT, automobiles, renewable energy and agro-processing.

Kataoka described Bangladesh as a promising investment destination, pointing to its economic potential and strategic geographical location. He said various government initiatives had attracted interest among Japanese companies.

Tarique thanked JETRO for its role in promoting Japanese investment in Bangladesh and invited Kataoka to visit the country.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, speaking at the forum, highlighted the government’s ambition to build an investment-driven economy. Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury outlined ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at facilitating investment.

Representatives from Mitsui and YKK Corporation also shared their experiences of operating in Bangladesh and discussed potential business opportunities.

Japan Expresses Interest in Expanding Investment

Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei told Tarique that Japan was interested in expanding its investment in Bangladesh, which he described as an attractive destination for Japanese businesses.

During their meeting on Wednesday, the two sides agreed to advance cooperation in areas discussed at the recent bilateral summit between Tarique and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Both sides emphasised the importance of capitalising on growing interest among Japanese business leaders to strengthen economic ties and expand investment.

Tarique expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development and invited Akazawa to visit Bangladesh.

Recalling the contributions of his parents to bilateral relations, he noted that his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had each visited Japan twice.

He said he intended to build on their legacy by further strengthening relations between the two countries.

Technology Parks, High-Speed Rail and Energy Cooperation

Tarique proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Technology Park focused on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing, with participation from Japanese companies, universities and investors.

He also invited Japanese institutions to collaborate with Bangladesh in space science, satellite engineering and related technological fields.

In the transport sector, the prime minister proposed developing a nationwide elevated high-speed rail network linking six major divisional cities.

He said the government planned to prepare a national master plan, evaluate passenger and freight demand, identify priority routes and conduct feasibility studies. He called on Japanese institutions to contribute their technical expertise and participate in the proposed initiative.

On energy cooperation, Tarique encouraged Japanese companies to explore opportunities in energy infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy projects to help meet Bangladesh’s growing demand.

Language Training to Expand Employment Opportunities

The prime minister called for Japanese cooperation in establishing language training centres and expanding technical education to prepare Bangladeshi workers for employment opportunities in Japan.

Speaking at an exchange programme with Bangladeshi expatriates organised by Bangladesh Community, Japan, he said the government planned to introduce Japanese, German and French as third-language options in schools from next year, alongside English and students’ mother tongue.

He said preparations for the initiative had already begun and that improved language proficiency would help young Bangladeshis pursue higher education and employment opportunities abroad.

The government also intends to strengthen vocational education and incorporate sports, arts and culture more prominently into the education system.

Tarique stressed that workers should receive adequate preparation before travelling overseas, including language instruction and cultural orientation.

He urged Bangladeshis who had returned from Japan or encountered visa-related difficulties to contact the relevant ministries to explore available opportunities.

Healthcare and Environmental Reforms

Turning to domestic priorities, Tarique outlined plans to upgrade existing 50-bed upazila health complexes into 150-bed hospitals over the next five years.

The upgraded facilities would include dialysis units, paediatric services and gynaecology departments, improving access to healthcare outside major urban centres.

He also announced plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, with women accounting for at least 80% of the total. The initiative would focus on preventive healthcare and raising public awareness about conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

According to the prime minister, expanding healthcare services at the local level would ease pressure on major hospitals, where patient numbers frequently exceed capacity, while reducing the distances rural residents must travel to receive treatment.

On environmental protection, Tarique said he wanted to make Dhaka as clean as Tokyo, emphasising better waste management, reduced air pollution and increased tree planting.

He described environmental improvement and stronger public healthcare as essential reforms that would directly improve people's lives.

The prime minister called on Bangladeshis at home and abroad to contribute to national development, stressing that a more prosperous Bangladesh would benefit citizens regardless of where they lived.

He also urged collective action to implement reforms in education, healthcare and environmental management, ensuring that the benefits reached communities across the country.

Toyota Visit on Final Day of Japan Trip

On the final day of his visit, Tarique is scheduled to travel from Tokyo to Nagoya by bullet train to tour Toyota Motor Corporation’s Motomachi Plant.

He will attend a luncheon hosted by Toshimitsu Imai, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

Following the programme, the prime minister will return to Tokyo by bullet train before boarding a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at Narita International Airport.

He is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 10:35pm on Thursday.