PM Visits JERA’s LNG Terminal and Power Plant in Japan

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday visited JERA’s onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and power plant in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, as part of his official visit to the country.

The prime minister toured the facilities at 2:30pm local time, Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin said.

A high-level delegation accompanied Tarique Rahman, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit.

The delegation also included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other senior officials were also present.

Earlier on Tuesday, Tarique Rahman held a bilateral summit with his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, at the Japanese prime minister’s office, known as the Kantei, to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, promote trade and investment, and expand cooperation across key sectors.

The discussions focused on energy, information and communication technology (ICT), railways, infrastructure, deep-sea ports and foreign direct investment (FDI), alongside regional and international issues.

Following the talks, the two leaders issued a joint press announcement outlining the outcomes of their discussions and exchanged several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering key areas of cooperation.

Takaichi subsequently hosted an official luncheon at the Kantei in honour of the Bangladeshi prime minister.

Earlier, she welcomed Tarique Rahman at the Japanese prime minister’s office, where he received a guard of honour from a contingent of Japan’s armed forces as the national anthems of both countries were played.

As part of his visit, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders to explore opportunities for greater economic cooperation and investment.

The prime minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday at the invitation of Takaichi. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone.

On the first day of his visit, Tarique Rahman held separate meetings with a high-level Japanese parliamentary delegation led by former prime minister Taro Aso, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Akihiko Tanaka.

The meetings covered a range of issues, including bilateral relations, trade and investment, infrastructure development, energy security, advanced manufacturing and skills development.

This marks Tarique Rahman’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China and travelled to New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.