Bangladesh and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their longstanding friendship and expanding economic and strategic cooperation, with Prime Ministers Tarique Rahman and Sanae Takaichi highlighting opportunities in energy security, infrastructure, information technology, trade, investment, technology transfer and regional security.
The two leaders also discussed plans to mobilise 1 trillion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately $6.3 billion, in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. Expediting a Japanese delegation’s visit to Bangladesh to advance the investment plan was a key focus of the discussions.
According to state-run news agency BSS, the bilateral summit was held at the Japanese prime minister’s office, known as the Kantei, in Tokyo on Tuesday. The talks focused on deepening bilateral ties and translating shared priorities into concrete initiatives.
At a joint press conference after the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the two countries were committed to expanding cooperation in energy, ICT, railways, infrastructure, deep-sea ports and foreign direct investment (FDI).
He announced that several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) would be exchanged during his visit, adding that the outcomes of the talks and shared priorities would be reflected in a joint statement.
Emphasising the need to make bilateral ties a driver of economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity, Tarique invited Japanese investors, businesses and financial institutions to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
He said his government was committed to unlocking Bangladesh’s economic potential through productive investment, technology transfer, skilled employment and mutually beneficial business ventures with Japanese partners.
Investment targets in energy, infrastructure and technology
Energy security featured prominently in the discussions. Tarique said reliable and affordable energy supplies were essential to sustaining economic growth. Thanking Japan for its longstanding support, he called for greater Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.
He also referred to a recent 50 billion yen emergency support loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative, aimed at strengthening energy security across Asia.
The government considers expanded cooperation in the sector vital to Bangladesh’s industrialisation, increased production and efforts to attract investment.
The prime minister outlined Bangladesh’s long-term infrastructure ambitions, including plans to develop a high-speed rail network connecting six major divisional cities and build elevated roads across the country.
He sought Japanese assistance with planning, technical support, investment and financing for the projects, saying Japan’s experience could help Bangladesh develop modern, integrated transport infrastructure.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in deep-sea port development, railway connectivity and other major infrastructure projects. The initiatives could improve freight transportation and regional connectivity while supporting industrialisation and attracting investment.
Bangladesh-Japan tech park proposed
As part of efforts to build a technology-driven economy, Tarique proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled technology workforce.
He proposed prioritising artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing. He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies, areas in which Japan has advanced capabilities.
The government aims to position Bangladesh as a hub for economic activity, technology and manufacturing. Tarique said Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, while its gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed $1 trillion by 2034.
He urged Japanese public- and private-sector stakeholders to engage more actively in helping Bangladesh realise its economic potential.
Expanding trade and improving the investment climate
The talks also focused on strengthening commercial ties and expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh.
Tarique expressed hope that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would be implemented swiftly, urging both sides to work together to ensure its benefits reached people in both countries.
He pledged to improve Bangladesh’s business environment by enhancing transparency, predictability and efficiency in regulatory procedures, tax policy, customs clearance and fund transfers.
The prime minister reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening economic ties through productive investment, technology transfer and skilled job creation.
On the first day of his visit, Tarique met Masumi Kakinoki, chairman of Japanese trading house Marubeni Corporation. Their discussions covered expanding trade and investment, implementing the EPA, and potential Japanese investment in information technology, energy and advanced manufacturing.
The modernisation of Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and the possibility of establishing a second fertiliser factory in Bangladesh were also discussed.
Tarique separately met Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Akihiko Tanaka to discuss accelerating ongoing development projects, continuing cooperation in infrastructure and economic development, and establishing a Bangladesh-Japan skills partnership.
The proposal to establish a technology village and an innovation city also featured in the discussions. Agricultural modernisation, agro-processing, light engineering and energy security were among the other priority areas.
On Tuesday, the prime minister visited the Nittsu Logistics Hub in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, to learn about Japan’s experience in logistics and supply chain management.
From BIG-B to strategic cooperation
The two prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), a key pillar of Bangladesh-Japan economic cooperation.
In a post on her official social media account, Takaichi said the two countries planned to elevate the initiative into a new strategic cooperation framework called “Sharing Prosperity BIG-B”.
Takaichi described Bangladesh as a friendly country that shared common values with Japan, including democracy and the rule of law. She said Japan would strongly support the nation-building efforts of Tarique’s government, which was formed through a democratic election.
She also highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic geographical position linking South and Southeast Asia and its market of 170 million people as important factors for Japan’s economy.
Takaichi expressed her determination to strengthen the strategic partnership through initiatives involving both governments and private-sector stakeholders. She also said she looked forward to working closely with Tarique to advance peace, stability and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the meeting, Tarique proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas, review progress in implementing decisions and turn cooperation opportunities into practical initiatives.
He stressed the importance of stronger engagement between the two countries’ business communities and invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
Lasting solution to Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar
Alongside bilateral economic cooperation, the two leaders discussed regional and international issues.
Tarique said a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis lay in Myanmar, emphasising the need for the voluntary, safe, dignified and early repatriation of Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and now sheltered in Bangladesh.
Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting displacement crisis, he called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among all relevant parties.
He appreciated Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya and urged Tokyo to remain actively engaged with all stakeholders to help establish peace and stability in Rakhine State.
The two leaders also discussed the United Nations, the Indo-Pacific region, international law and multilateral cooperation.
Tarique reiterated their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of closer cooperation to promote regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth.
He thanked Japan for supporting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The prime minister also expressed hope that Bangladesh and Japan would work more closely to strengthen multilateral cooperation and address global challenges.
Long history of development cooperation
Japan was among the countries that recognised Bangladesh shortly after its independence. For more than three decades, it has remained one of Bangladesh’s most important development partners, contributing to infrastructure development and socioeconomic progress.
Tarique said bilateral relations had been built on mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to peace, prosperity and stability.
He recalled his father, Ziaur Rahman’s, two visits to Japan and the contributions of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening Bangladesh-Japan relations.
He pledged to follow in their footsteps and take bilateral ties to new heights.
Takaichi also highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and expressed her commitment to deepening cooperation in the years ahead.
Both leaders noted that the partnership could deliver greater benefits if government-level agreements were complemented by stronger private investment, technology transfer, skills development and business-to-business engagement.
Four-day visit focuses on economic diplomacy
Tarique arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning for a four-day official visit at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone.
Yesterday, Tarique received a ceremonial welcome at the Kantei. A contingent of Japan’s armed forces presented a guard of honour, and the national anthems of both countries were played. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before beginning bilateral talks.
Following the meeting and joint press conference, Takaichi hosted a luncheon in Tarique’s honour at the prime minister’s office. Tarique’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, was also present.
On the first day of the visit, Tarique met a high-level parliamentary delegation led by former Japanese prime minister Taro Aso. Acknowledging Aso’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations, Tarique invited him to visit Bangladesh.
The prime minister also held separate meetings with senior officials of Marubeni Corporation and JICA that day.
The visit marks Tarique’s first trip to Japan since assuming office as prime minister. A key objective is to transform the longstanding friendship between the two countries into a more substantive economic partnership.
Alongside expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, technology, trade and investment, the visit has focused on strengthening coordination on regional and international issues.
The Tokyo summit has produced several proposals and commitments that could shape the future of Bangladesh-Japan relations. Whether these translate into tangible economic gains and employment opportunities for Bangladesh will depend on the pace of implementation, progress on the proposed investment plan, the effective execution of the MoUs and the establishment of the proposed joint commission.
