Jica executive senior vice president visits Bangladesh

Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) Executive Senior Vice President Dr Junichi Yamada has recently visited Bangladesh. 

During his visit from last Sunday to Friday, his main goals included participating in the memorial ceremony on July 3 honouring the seven Japanese nationals who tragically died in the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016 and strengthening relations with the Bangladesh government in the historic year of the 50th anniversary of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Bangladesh, implemented by Jica, reads a press release issued on Friday. 

Dr Yamada met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, finance minister, planning minister, state minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and government officials during his stay.

The senior Jica official visited various sites of projects supported by Jica including the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), the Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power Project, the Matarbari Port, Terminal 3 at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Rohingya refugee camps and Dhaka Metro (MRT) Line-6.

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Dr Yamada was particularly impressed by the notable progress of the development works supported by Jica.

Highlighting the 50th anniversary of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Bangladesh, he exchanged thoughts with the ministers and government officials on further strengthening Jica's cooperation in Bangladesh's development centring on industrial development and diversification, urban development, and inclusive development. 

Dr Yamada met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday and discussed important areas of cooperation. 

PM Hasina praised Jica's continued engagement in Bangladesh's infrastructure development. 

Dr Yamada said Jica is always committed to supporting Bangladesh to achieve its sustainable economic development. Courtesy

The meeting with PM was also attended by Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori, Jica Bangladesh Office Chief Representative Tomohide Ichiguchi, Economic Relations Division Secretary Sharifa Khan and Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Tofazzel Hossain Miah.

Earlier, on Monday, Dr Yamada attend the memorial ceremony to commemorate the seven Japanese nationals who lost their precious lives in the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016.

In the ceremonial address, he expressed his deepest sadness and regret at the loss of all those who dedicated their invaluable time and efforts to the development of Bangladesh. 

He also stated that the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Development Project which the seven Japanese nationals have contributed to shines as one of the prime symbols of the enduring friendly relationship between both countries.

“We will continue to work with Bangladesh while keeping in mind their legacy and our commitment to safety,” he added. 

Dr Yamada went to the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEA) located in Araihazar of Narayanganj district, where development work is underway to attract foreign investors, particularly Japanese private companies. 

Jica has been funding infrastructure facilities at BSEZ, which includes access road, land development, and utility connection, supporting establishment of one stop service for approvals, and made equity investment. 

Once completed, BSEZ is expected to attract investments worth over $1 billion. 

Dr Yamada also visited project sites in the area of the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI). 

The MIDI concept entails some 20 thousand acres of planned development to form an integrated economic hub for trade, investments, and energy. 

The concept is backed by the country's maiden deep-sea port supported by Jica and is expected to be a game changer for Bangladesh's economy.

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During his visit to Rohingya camps, Dr Yamada made on-site visits to activities of UNHCR, IOM and the Japanese Red Cross Society, and discussed current camp situations. 

He emphasized Jica's aim to provide assistance to host communities and also support activities in camps in cooperation with international organizations, such as United Nations Volunteers. 

Furthermore, he visited the site of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project currently being under construction. 

Once completed, terminal 3 will be able to cater for 12 million passengers per annum, which will double the airport's existing capacity. 

In addition, a new cargo complex, multilevel car parking, and state-of-the-art supporting facilities are expected to provide a truly world class passenger experience.