PM Seeks Stronger Industrial, Economic and Technological Ties with Japan

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged the Japanese government and private sector to play a greater role in Bangladesh’s economic development, technological advancement and industrialisation, as the two countries pledged to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.

The call came during a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei, in Tokyo. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT), trade and investment.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was positioning itself as a regional hub for economic activity, technology and manufacturing, highlighting its growth prospects and the expanding opportunities for Japanese businesses.

He projected that Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, with its gross domestic product (GDP) potentially exceeding US$1 trillion by 2034.

The two leaders discussed a proposal to attract 1 trillion Japanese yen (approximately US$6.3 billion) in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and ICT sectors. They also discussed sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to accelerate the implementation of the proposed investment plan.

Energy security and investment

Emphasising the importance of energy security, Tarique Rahman said reliable and affordable energy supplies were essential to sustaining Bangladesh’s economic growth.

He thanked Japan for its longstanding support, particularly the recent emergency assistance loan of 50 billion Japanese yen under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative to strengthen energy security across Asia.

The Prime Minister called for greater Japanese investment and participation in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.

Proposed Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park

As part of efforts to build a technology-driven economy, Tarique Rahman proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young workforce, entrepreneurs and skilled technology professionals.

The proposed facility could focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing, facilitating technology transfer, innovation and the creation of skilled jobs.

He also expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies, drawing on Japan’s advanced expertise in these fields.

High-speed rail and infrastructure development

Highlighting Bangladesh’s need for modern, integrated transport systems, Tarique Rahman outlined plans to develop a high-speed railway network connecting the country’s six major divisional cities, alongside a nationwide network of elevated roads.

He sought Japanese technical assistance, investment and financing for planning and implementing the projects, noting that Japan’s expertise in infrastructure development and modern transport systems could help Bangladesh achieve its development goals.

Welcoming fresh investment from Japanese businesses, the Prime Minister said his government was committed to creating a more investor-friendly environment by improving transparency, predictability and efficiency in regulatory procedures, tax policies, customs clearance and fund transfers.

He also called for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

“We need to work together to ensure that the benefits of the Economic Partnership Agreement reach the peoples of both countries,” he said.

Strengthening longstanding bilateral ties

Recalling the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, Tarique Rahman said Japan held a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people.

Japan was among the earliest countries to recognise Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and has since remained one of its most valued development partners, making significant contributions to socioeconomic progress and infrastructure development.

The Prime Minister also recalled his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s two visits to Japan and his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.

He expressed his commitment to elevating the partnership to new heights through stronger economic engagement and broader cooperation.

Shared commitment to regional and global stability

On regional and international issues, Tarique Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh and Japan’s shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law.

He thanked Japan for supporting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and expressed hope for closer cooperation with Tokyo in strengthening multilateral institutions and addressing global challenges.

Reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, he emphasised the importance of stronger regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and sustained economic growth.

Rohingya crisis remains a concern

Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting Rohingya displacement crisis, the Prime Minister called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned.

He appreciated Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to shelter Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and urged Tokyo to remain actively engaged with all relevant parties to promote regional peace and stability.

“A lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar,” he said, emphasising the need for the early repatriation of displaced people to their homeland in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.

Joint mechanism proposed to accelerate cooperation

Concluding the summit, Tarique Rahman expressed optimism that the discussions would open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations, underpinned by greater mutual trust, expanded economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.

He proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas, speed up implementation and translate cooperation opportunities into concrete initiatives. He also stressed the importance of closer engagement between the business communities of both countries.

The Prime Minister invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, expressing confidence that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to grow through mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity.

Following the summit, the two leaders made a joint press announcement outlining the outcomes of their discussions and exchanged several memorandums of understanding covering key areas of cooperation. Takaichi also hosted an official luncheon in honour of Tarique Rahman at the Kantei.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit at Takaichi’s invitation. During his stay, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and hold meetings with Japanese business leaders.