Japan pledged to continue its trade and development cooperation with Bangladesh and support the Interim Government of Professor Muhammad Yunus in its efforts to key transitions on Thursday.
Newly-appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi made the pledge when he called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
"We are determined to continue our business with Bangladesh. Not only continue but expand," Ambassador Saida Shinichi told the chief adviser.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said that Japan is a very important strategic partner for Bangladesh and his government looks to develop the relationship further.
"We are really proud of our relationship with Japan, which is one of our closest friends and a major development partner," he said.
Japan is the single largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh, which contributed to Bangladesh's socioeconomic advancement greatly over the years.
The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at around $4 billion, with Japan being one of Bangladesh's top five export destinations.
More than 350 Japanese companies are currently operating in Bangladesh.
The chief adviser said Bangladesh is now looking for business and trade opportunities with both eastern and western countries, including Japan and members of Saarc and Asean.
"We are trying to build friendly relations with both the west and the east... it's time to do business," he said.
The Japanese envoy assured the continuation of ongoing Japan-funded big projects, particularly Matarbari Deep Seaport, Matarbari Coal-Fired Power Plant, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (Metro Rail), and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Third Terminal.
Prof Yunus thanked Japan for its continued support for Rohingyas and sought help to find a durable solution for the safe, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingyas to the Rakhine State of Myanmar.
