Around 50 Japanese companies will arrive in Bangladesh every year with investment plans, provided the investment environment remains congenial.
Country representative of Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) Yuji Ando on Wednesday made the remark while exchanging views with some executive committee members of Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at the ERF office in the capital, said a press release.
Ando, also president of Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), requested the government to improve investment climate in the country in favor of Japanese companies.
He said 310 Japanese companies are now in Bangladesh and Japan investment is around $3 billion.
Highlighting the friendly relationship with Bangladesh, the Jetro chief said that collaboration with ERF could help improve investment climate for the investors.
Yuji Ando said there are many challenges still exist for Japanese companies and other foreign companies in Bangladesh, citing examples of infrastructure and taxation.
Referring to a question on relocation of Japanese companies from China, the Jetro country representative said it is practically not like it has been reported due to scope of business in China.
He, however, said there is still scope of coming of Japanese companies though Asean countries are getting priority in the case of relocation.
Citing example of a Jetro annual study, Yuji Ando said 70% Japanese companies here want to expand their investment which is highest among other countries.
He mentioned a number of bottlenecks in the way of smooth investment, but he expressed his willingness to invest further.
"It should be a win-win situation," he added.
ERF President Saiful Islam Dilal, General Secretary S M Rashidul Islam, AFP bureau chief M ShafiqulAlam, former Reuters Bureau Chief Serajul Islam Quadir and other EC members also spoke. Media Professional Group Chief Executive Officer Somor Roy were also present.
