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Dhaka-Tokyo strategic tie to boost economy of both states


Published : 28 May 2023 09:04 PM

Speakers at a panel discussion viewed that the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan will transform economic landscape and accelerate the inclusive prosperity journey of the countries. 

They opined that there has been a paradigm shift in Japan-Bangladesh relations over the last eight years, with the theme going from development aid to trade, investment, and growth supportive infrastructure.

Standard Chartered, Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI), Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD, Shoo-Koo-Kai), and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) recently organised the panel discussion on the topic of “Our Shared Aspiration: Accelerating the Japan-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership.” 

The event brought senior stakeholders from the private sector, chambers of commerce, think tanks, and government together to discuss and contribute to a shared roadmap focused on accelerating the transition ofJapan-Bangladesh bilateral ties from a comprehensive to a strategic partnership.

Speaking at the event, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said,“Japan and Bangladesh’s partnership involves a huge element of trust and confidence that has been built over time through our people-to-people connections as well as a journey of economic prosperity that both the countries have taken together. Under the guidance of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, the strategic partnership will transform our economic landscape and accelerate the inclusive prosperity journey. ”

IwamaKiminori, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bangladesh, remarked, “Last year,Japan and Bangladesh celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan-Bangladesh relationship. This transition marks the beginning of the new era in our relations. The honourablePrime Minister Sheikh Hasina elevated the bilateral relationship so that the two nations can commence bilateral cooperation in new areas beyond traditional ones. ”

Myung-Ho Lee, President, JBCCI; President, Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCIAD, Shoo-Koo-Kai); and Country Representative for Bangladesh, Mitsubishi Corporation, said, “Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) between Japan and Bangladesh should be in effect before the LDC graduation in 2026. For that, EPA negotiation must start early.”

Yuji Ando, Country Representative, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Bangladesh, said, “Regarding enhancing the investment environment, JETRO conducted a survey among Japanese companies operating in Asia and ASEAN countries, including Bangladesh.”

In his keynote presentation,Dr. M. MasrurReaz, Chairman and Founder, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said, “There has been a paradigm shift in Japan-Bangladesh relations over the last eight years, with the theme going from development aid to trade, investment, and growth supportive infrastructure.”