Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Hiroyasu Izumi on Friday expressed his hope that the number of Japanese investors will rapidly increase in the coming years. At present, 279 Japanese companies are working in Bangladesh, according to Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, which is expected grow further in days ahead, he said.
The Japanese envoy said this while addressing a reception on Thursday celebrating the Emperor Naruhito’s accession to the Imperial throne. The Japanese Ambassador said Japan has always been the single biggest bilateral development partner for Bangladesh. Last year, the amount of ODA, Official Development Assistance, to Bangladesh is around two hundred billion yen, which is equivalent to about US$ 1.8 billion.
The Japanese envoy went on saying that the coming three years are very important in the relations between Bangladesh and Japan. He said the year 2021 is the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, and the following 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
“And to commemorate these anniversaries, a number of big development projects are underway,” he added. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen who attended the reception as the chief guest said in the new era, ‘Reiwa’, the deep bond of friendship between the two countries will grow stronger and even stronger.
He said: “As in the past - I’m confident - Japan will continue to be our trusted partner in our endeavor to realize Prime Minister Sheikh Hashina’s “Vision 2021”.
Prime Minister’s Advisor Salman F Rahman, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resource Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, government officials, representatives of diplomatic missions or international organizations shared the joy to celebrate the opening of the new Imperial Era, ‘Reiwa’, meaning ‘Beautiful Harmony’. Ambassador Izumi wished all happiness and prosperity in the new era of ‘beautiful harmony’, and beyond.