Bangladesh and Japan are working to deepen their economic and trade relations, with both countries eyeing expanded investment and cooperation across multiple sectors. The initiative gained momentum during a meeting in Tokyo on October 26 between Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Masumi Kakinoki, president of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation and chairman of Marubeni Corporation.
Tarique, who arrived in Tokyo on a four-day official visit at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, highlighted opportunities for Japanese investment to modernize Bangladesh’s Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited and explore the establishment of a second fertilizer plant. He also urged increased investment in information and communication technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The Bangladeshi prime minister outlined government commitments to create a more investment-friendly environment by reforming regulations, streamlining approval processes, and enhancing public-private partnerships to facilitate Japanese business operations in Bangladesh.
During the visit, the two countries are expected to finalize five to eight agreements and memorandums of understanding covering loans, financial support, agriculture, civil aviation, infrastructure development, security assistance for the Bangladesh Coast Guard, and energy cooperation. Officials indicated that Bangladesh may secure around $2 billion in loans and financial assistance, including $300 million in budgetary support.
Japan is anticipated to emphasize regional connectivity and improvements in the business climate, while private-sector investment from Japan could reach up to 1 trillion yen (approximately $6.36 billion) over the next five years, according to media reports. JERA, the Japanese power generation company, is slated to assist with energy reserve infrastructure development under the Moheshkhali Integrated Development Initiative.
Following the discussion with Kakinoki, Tarique met with a delegation from the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League led by former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. The dialogue stressed enhancing bilateral political and economic ties, technology transfer, and people-to-people contacts. Aso cited Bangladesh’s youthful population and political stability as positive factors attracting Japanese investment.
Throughout his visit, Tarique is scheduled to attend a bilateral summit with Takaichi, visit key Japanese industrial sites—including an LNG terminal, power plant, and a logistics hub—and participate in forums to advance cooperation in education, human resource development, and trade. The delegation accompanying him includes key cabinet members and advisers responsible for finance, planning, civil aviation, energy, foreign affairs, and technology sectors.
The visit reflects both countries’ mutual interest in boosting trade, investment, and development partnerships, aiming to foster long-term economic growth and collaboration in South Asia and beyond.