Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday announced that the two nations will conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement in the coming months to deepen economic and trade relations between the two friendly nations.
They made the commitment during an official bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the office of the Japanese prime minister in Tokyo.
Their talks encompassed the entire gamut of the relationship between the two friendly countries, with both leaders reaffirming their abiding commitment to a strategic partnership, said a statement issued by the chief adviser’s press wing.
Shigeru Ishiba described Bangladesh as a long-standing friend and said Japan would stand by Bangladesh in its endeavour for a democratic transition.
Shigeru Ishiba also paid tribute to Yunus, saying Bangladesh would usher in a new era under his leadership.
He also highlighted Bangladesh's importance in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Bangladesh plays a critical role in regional stability," the Japanese prime minister said.
He said the two countries would conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of this year in an effort to boost trade and investment between the two nations.
The chief adviser thanked prime minister for Japan's unwavering support of Bangladesh over the last 10 months, following the departure of the previous regime, which left behind a shattered economy, an empty coffer, and weakened institutions.
"We thank Japan for supporting the interim government and its reform initiatives. We seek Japan's active support and cooperation in our endeavour," he said.
Yunus reiterated Bangladesh's firm commitment to a vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific for the shared prosperity of all.
"Bangladesh is ready to forge partnership and cooperation with Japan to ensure maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation, sustainable use and management of marine resources, promote enhanced connectivity, and combat transnational organized crimes in the Indo-Pacific," the chief adviser said.
He noted significant progress in the EPA negotiations and recent high-level visits in this regard.
"In pursuing our bilateral relations, we look forward to sustained engagements with Japan," Yunus said.
He sought Japanese support for the construction of a land-based LNG terminal at Matarbari, an import-based LPG terminal at Moheshkhali, and duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products to Japan for at least three years after Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status in 2026.
The chief adviser also sought a Japanese soft loan for the improvement of the Dhaka–Chittagong National Highway into a six-lane access-controlled expressway, the upgradation of the Chittagong–Cox's Bazar highway, and the construction of a new four-lane bridge over the Meghna–Gomti river.
He requested the Japanese prime minister to encourage Japanese manufacturers to invest in automobiles and electric vehicles, light machinery, high-tech electronics, and the solar industry in Bangladesh, and to connect its industrial value chain with Japan.
Yunus urged Tokyo to launch the Bangladesh–Japan Skilled Workforce Partnership Program in an effort to meet Japanese labour shortages and pave the way for the recruitment of hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi workers in Japan.
He also asked Japan to increase the number of scholarships for Bangladeshi students, as well as for technical and vocational education training instructors to study in Japan.
The Japanese prime minister said Tokyo would provide assistance to Bangladesh to help overcome its challenges and support the interim government's efforts to create a prosperous and democratic New Bangladesh.
The two leaders also discussed geopolitical issues in the region, with Yunus saying his government is committed to "the best relationships" with Dhaka's neighbours.
The chief adviser called for redoubling Japanese efforts to find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Prime Minister Ishiba recalled his visit to Bangladesh some 38 years ago when the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, built with Japanese assistance, was inaugurated.
He also praised the efforts of Yunus and his pioneering micro-lender, Grameen Bank, in combating poverty across the globe.
“Japanese people have profound respect for you," Prime Minister Ishiba noted.
He expressed his willingness to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
