Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei has expressed Japan’s interest in strengthening ties with Bangladesh and increasing investment in the country, describing Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination.
Akazawa made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Japan on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the Japanese minister said Bangladesh was currently an attractive country for investment and expressed Japan’s interest in further developing relations with Bangladesh and expanding investment there.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked the Japanese government for its continued support and cooperation in building a developed and prosperous Bangladesh.
Both sides agreed to advance cooperation in various sectors discussed during the summit meeting between the prime ministers of the two countries and to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The meeting also emphasised the importance of capitalising on the existing interest among Japanese business circles in Bangladesh to attract more Japanese investment into the country.
The prime minister said his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, had each visited Japan twice. He noted that the development and progress of Bangladesh-Japan relations had continued since their time in office and said he wanted to carry that legacy forward.
Tarique Rahman also invited Akazawa Ryosei to visit Bangladesh.
Those present at the meeting on the Bangladesh side included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru 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-I Humayun Kabir; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit; Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury; Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostakur Rahman; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan; and Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon, among other senior officials.