Japan-Bangladesh friendship will be driving force of economic prosperity

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed the determination to transform the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Japan into a driving force for economic growth, job creation, and shared prosperity. To achieve this goal, he called upon Japanese investors and businesspeople to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh wants to take the relations between the two countries to a new height by increasing cooperation in important sectors including energy, information technology, railways, infrastructure, and deep seaport.

He came up with these remarks at a joint press conference Tuesday, after a bilateral summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanaye Takaichi at the Kantei, the office of the Prime Minister of Japan, in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said there is an opportunity to take the relations between the two countries to a new height through greater cooperation and mutually beneficial partnership. He said his government is committed to working with Japanese partners to harness Bangladesh's potential through productive investment, technology transfer, skilled job creation, and mutually beneficial business initiatives.

Regarding the discussions at the bilateral meeting, Tarique Rahman said the two leaders held fruitful discussions on various bilateral, regional, and international issues. At that time, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in various fields including energy, information and communication technology, railways, infrastructure, deep seaport, and foreign direct investment.

Noting that he came to Japan on an official visit leading a Bangladesh delegation at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanaye Takaichi, the Tarique Rahman expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Prime Minister and people of Japan for their warm reception and hospitality.

Noting that Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said mutual respect, trust, and the shared goals of peace, prosperity, and stability are the foundations of the friendship between the two countries.

Noting that Japan was among the early countries to recognize Bangladesh after its independence in 1971, the PM said that for more than five decades, Japan has been working as one of Bangladesh's most valuable development partners. Japan has made significant contributions to the country's socio-economic progress and infrastructure development.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister said that through the exchange of agreements and memoranda of understanding in various important sectors, specific steps have been taken during this visit to further deepen bilateral relations. The outcomes of the meeting and the shared priorities of the two countries will be highlighted in a joint statement.

Calling upon Japanese investors, businesspeople, and financial institutions to seize Bangladesh's investment opportunities, Tarique Rahman said economic cooperation between the two countries can be further expanded through productive investment and technology transfer. This will create employment opportunities and benefit both countries.

He said, "Together we can build a more stable and prosperous future for our two great nations."

The Prime Minister also called for building a partnership that will work for the welfare of the people of both countries and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Earlier, on Tuesday at 11:30 am local time, Tarique Rahman was formally received at the Kantei, the office of the Prime Minister of Japan, in Tokyo. At that time, a ceremonial guard of honor was presented and the members of the two leaders' respective delegations were introduced. Later, at 11:45 am, the bilateral summit meeting between the two Prime Ministers began.