[🇧🇩] Strategic Aspect of Bangla-Japan Relation

[Saif]

Japan to start work to recover World War 2 soldiers' remains in Bangladesh

There are graves of 43 Japanese soldiers in Cumilla, says the country's public broadcaster

www.thedailystar.net

Japan to start work to recover World War 2 soldiers' remains in Bangladesh
There are graves of 43 Japanese soldiers in Cumilla, says the country's public broadcaster

Photo: Mohiuddin Ahmed Sagor/File

Japan has taken an initiative to recover the remains of Japanese soldiers taken as prisoners of war to Bangladesh during World War Two.

The work is set to begin in November, NHK, the public broadcaster of Japan, reported yesterday.

Japan's welfare ministry said the soldiers were captured by British forces during the Battle of Imphal, in which the Imperial Japanese military sought to conquer British-controlled northeastern India.

The Japanese soldiers were taken to Bangladesh, where they died. The Japanese government learned through a field survey that there are 43 soldiers' graves in Cumilla.

In July this year, the Bangladesh government approved the recovery of the remains, NHK reports.

Japan plans to first send a team to Cumilla's Mainamati War Cemetery, where the remains of 24 soldiers are said to be buried, NHK reported.

The Japan Association for Recovery and Repatriation of War Casualties, entrusted by the welfare ministry to conduct surveys of wartime remains, says the recovery work has been delayed due to worsening security in Bangladesh and the coronavirus pandemic.

It said it hopes to finally return the remains to their families, nearly 80 years after the end of World War Two.​

 

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BD seeks $1.0b aid from Japan

Bangladesh has recently sought $1.0-billion budgetary support from Japan to facilitate the country's post-flood recovery in the eastern region and also to weather the economic storm, officials said on Saturday. "We sent a request letter to our friendly country Japan early this month seeking its su

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Post-flood economic recovery
BD seeks $1.0b aid from Japan
FHM Humayan Kabir
Published :
Sep 22, 2024 00:02
Updated :
Sep 22, 2024 00:02

Bangladesh has recently sought $1.0-billion budgetary support from Japan to facilitate the country's post-flood recovery in the eastern region and also to weather the economic storm, officials said on Saturday.

"We sent a request letter to our friendly country Japan early this month seeking its support. Bangladesh needs sizeable funds to recover the economy, damaged by some wrong macro-economic policies of the Sheikh Hasina government and sudden floods in late August," said a senior official of the Economic Relations Division (ERD).

"We also wrote to Japan seeking its budget support in last regime…"

The government has also requested the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the New Development Bank (NDB), the French lender AFD and others for the same.

Recent floods deluged 11 districts in eastern and north-eastern parts of Bangladesh claiming at least 59 lives and impacting over 5.3-million people.

Millions of dollars have been lost in agriculture, industry and service sectors as dozens of roads and bridges got destroyed, croplands submerged, and fisheries and livestock damaged.

"Japan usually provides us loans to execute different projects. After the Covid pandemic in 2020, it started to give us some budgetary support too. As Bangladesh's economy has been affected by recent floods, we need budgetary support for economic recovery," said another ERD official.

Last June, Japan provided JPY30 billion (equivalent to $225 million) as budgetary support to Bangladesh.

Earlier, it also provided two rounds of budget aid amounting to total 685 million yen ($4.7 million) in 2020 and 2021.

Japan is Bangladesh's largest bilateral development partner, which helped it build three metro rails, third terminal at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Jamuna Railway Bridge.

"Japanese loan is very concessional. It will be good for Bangladesh if the budget support from Japan is confirmed," according to the ERD official.

For the $225-million budget support in June, the loan came with an annual interest rate of 1.6 per cent with a 30-year repayment period, which includes a 10-year grace period.

"We are eagerly waiting for Japan's response to our latest budget support request," the official added.

Meanwhile, the WB, ADB, AIIB and IMF have already assured the interim government of providing necessary support for the recovery of economic shocks and post-flood impacts.​

 

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Bilateral ties with Japan and potentials within socio-economic matrix

On September 25, 2024, retired Bangladesh Ambassadors of AOFA organised an interactive session with Ambassador Iwama Kiminori of Japan to Bangladesh. The dialogue had several significant dimensions and recalled not only the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan since 1972 but also Ja

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bilateral ties with Japan and potentials within socio-economic matrix
Muhammad Zamir
Published :
Oct 27, 2024 21:54
Updated :
Oct 27, 2024 21:54

On September 25, 2024, retired Bangladesh Ambassadors of AOFA organised an interactive session with Ambassador Iwama Kiminori of Japan to Bangladesh. The dialogue had several significant dimensions and recalled not only the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan since 1972 but also Japan's pivotal role in Bangladesh's infrastructure and connectivity, highlighting the multifaceted partnership across various sectors.

The discussion recalled the leading role of Japan in sectors such as IT and automated manufacturing. It was also stressed that there needs to be continued cooperation between the two countries in new areas such as regional security, maritime affairs, sustainable development and climate change.

In his in-depth presentation, Ambassador Kiminori briefly highlighted elements of Japan's foreign policy including their commitment to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), focusing on inclusiveness, diversity, and openness. He also outlined the four pillars of cooperation under FOIP, emphasising peace, prosperity, and regional security.

Reflecting on over 50 years of Japan-Bangladesh relations, the Japanese Ambassador highlighted key milestones in the relationship, including Japan's recognition of Bangladesh in 1972, announcing the Comprehensive Partnership in 2014 and elevating it to Strategic Partnership in 2023, which deepened cooperation. He also noted the increased presence of Japanese companies in Bangladesh and Japan's ODA commitment to Public-Private Joint Economic Dialogue (PPED) and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. He also mentioned new initiatives and trends such as the rising interest in learning Japanese. He concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening ties for the future and expressed commitment of Japan to respect the policy decisions of Bangladesh.

Following the in-depth presentation of the Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Yuji Andu, Country Representative of JETRO Bangladesh and President, JBCCI offered his insights about the investment opportunities, bureaucratic limitations and other structural issues related to Bangladesh. He explained how Japan had reduced the number of ministries to attain greater efficiency and reduce bureaucratic red tape. He lso suggested reduction of corruption and advancement of a business-friendly environment for promotion of business between the two countries.

To a question about the possibility of inviting Hon'ble Chief Adviser to Japan and Japan's views on enhancing people-to-people exchanges and defence cooperation, Ambassador Kiminori responded that Japan was keen to engage with the current government in Bangladesh and would extend invitation to Hon'ble Chief Advisor at an appropriate time. He also stressed Japan's willingness to enhance cooperation in all sectors, including people- to-people cooperation and defence. He further emphasised Japan's commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh, in the light of the priorities of the new government and continuing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He also clarified that Japanese companies were not withdrawing from Bangladesh and stressed the importance of improving the investment environment to attract more foreign businesses, particularly from Japan.

On a query regarding the Japan Foundation, he clarified that the Foundation's primary focus was on cultural exchange. He emphasised for promoting cooperation across various sectors, including defence and academia, and hoped for a swift recovery of the domestic situation in Bangladesh.

On a request for his perspective on the Matarbari power plant-- with reference to recent remarks that the project was a luxury project-- Ambassador Kiminori mentioned the sensitivity of the issue and refrained from providing a specific response. He mentioned Japan's past consultations with the former government, emphasising the project's utility for Bangladesh.

To another query on Japan's role on the Rohingya issue-- given its humanitarian support-- Ambassador Kiminori highlighted Japan's commitment for a dignified repatriation and a resolution of the issue despite the complexity of the existing situation.

Ambassador Kiminori also acknowledged strong economic ties between Bangladesh and Japan but emphasised for reassessing infrastructure projects according to the new government's priorities. He stressed the need for a better investment climate to attract foreign businesses and also indicated that the issue of possible agricultural cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh was also on the cards.

Regarding a query on Japan's position on QUAD and containment of China, he noted the complexities surrounding the Quad, mentioning that it encompassed security discussions as well as health and pandemic responses. He reaffirmed Japan's commitment to fostering a positive relationship with China, emphasising cooperation based on common interests.

Regarding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and its role in Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status, Ambassador Kiminori noted that Japan offered duty-free access to LDCs, with the EPA providing a framework not only for transparent investment procedures and improved business environment but also for attracting Japanese investment. With the current duty-free access ending, the EPA would establish a new framework.

In response to queries about academic and scientific cooperation, Ambassador Kiminorii acknowledged the positive developments in academic exchanges between Japan and Bangladesh. He pointed out the existing frameworks, such as those of JICA, that promoted research collaboration. He stressed the importance of enhancing these initiatives, fostering cooperation in various fields, especially in medical and technological research, to strengthen bilateral relations further.

Responding to a question regarding Bangladesh strategic location and how it could leverage benefits from projects like the Big B initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity in industry, trade, and energy, the Japanise Ambassador reiterated Japan's commitment to support initiatives that align with the current government's vision. He stressed the importance of responding to Bangladesh's priorities and exploring avenues for cooperation based on mutual interests.

In response to a question about Japan's diplomatic relations with different countries, Ambassador Kiminori acknowledged diplomatic challenges, especially with China, both the Koreas and Russia, and underlined that efforts are underway to overcome the challenges and thereby improve ties.

However, at this point, the focus of Japan's involvement needs to be also on food security and lifting the quality of life of the poorest of the poor in many of our rural areas, and create a greater balance by removing growing income inequality.

Those involved in politics in Bangladesh also need to understand that this is a country where politicisation of efforts can only create obstacles towards the current efforts that are being taken to reduce poverty. We also must not forget that removal of poverty will also enhance our chances of gender equality and better movement forward for our youth population.

The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund have all been carefully monitoring the economic activities of Bangladesh and have also been suggesting how to overcome existing challenges in the financial sector. Very correctly they are reiterating that Bangladesh has to be careful and bring forth accountability for reduction of poverty. It has been stressed that this will then enable Bangladesh to reach the goal of becoming a middle-income country and also be free of extreme poverty by 2030. It has also been underlined that Bangladesh, to sustain its economic growth needs to focus on developing energy and transport infrastructure, improve the quality of healthcare, education and governance and also strengthen anti-corruption measures.

In this context, attention may also be drawn to the fact that Bangladesh is not only vulnerable to natural disasters but is also faced with the challenges of climate variability through adaptation and mitigation.

Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialised in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.​

 

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Bangladesh, Japan agree to ink EPA to deepen trade ties

Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of 2025 or early 2026 to deepen and expand bilateral trade and investment relations between the two nations. This was revealed on Wednesday at a ceremony to launch the ‘EPA Study Report’ at the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh, Japan agree to ink EPA to deepen trade ties
BSS
Published :
Nov 15, 2024 17:03
Updated :
Nov 15, 2024 17:45

Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of 2025 or early 2026 to deepen and expand bilateral trade and investment relations between the two nations.

This was revealed on Wednesday at a ceremony to launch the ‘EPA Study Report’ at the Embassy of Japan in the city, said a press release.

Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) officially launched the EPA Study Report.

For signing the EPA, JBCCI has formed a standing committee and assigned a consulting firm named ‘Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Limited’. The consulting firm prepared the “EPA Study Report”.

As the chief guest, Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, appreciated JBCCI for organizing the launching ceremony and expressed the hope that the inputs and findings of the ‘EPA Study Report’ will accelerate the process of EPA signing.

Md Emran, executive director of JBCCI, said that EPA is a very important vehicle to secure duty-free market access for Bangladesh after its graduation from LDC in 2026.

Manabu Sugawara, president of JBCCI, laid emphasis on EPA for increasing the trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

M Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, presented a keynote paper outlining the benefits and challenges of the EPA, along with insights into how countries could benefit from it.​

 

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Japanese envoy urges better business climate for EPA benefits

Outgoing Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori on Sunday called for improving the business environment in all aspects as a fundamental requirement for a new chapter of relations between Japan and Bangladesh to reap the benefits of the economic partnership agreement (EPA). The successful conclusion of

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Japanese envoy urges better business climate for EPA benefits
FE Online Report
Published :
Nov 17, 2024 20:11
Updated :
Nov 17, 2024 20:11

Outgoing Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori on Sunday called for improving the business environment in all aspects as a fundamental requirement for a new chapter of relations between Japan and Bangladesh to reap the benefits of the economic partnership agreement (EPA).

The successful conclusion of the second round of negotiations on EPA last week has shown the strong determination to take the country forward and improve the business environment, he added.

The Ambassador was addressing the annual general meeting of the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) as chief guest at a Dhaka city hotel.

He said the last week’s successful negotiations signal the nurturing of a positive environment.

Ambassador Iwama also said the foundation that has been established during all the years continues to offer opportunities for both Japan and Bangladesh.

He lauded the role of JBCCI in this regard as a valuable platform and said the increase in the chamber's membership shows the success and opportunities ahead. The Ambassador also lauded the Chamber's role in EPA negotiation.

The Ambassador recalled respect and support received by all during his two years of tenure in the country and hoped for the government's more support in improving investment and the business environment.

JBCCI secretary general Anwar Shahid said Bangladesh has amazing potentials to rebuild and go forward using the experiences of Japan.

Abdul Haque of Haq Bay said more Japanese investment is expected in Bangladesh's manufacturing, technology and renewable energy sectors, apart from big infrastructure projects.

He added that reforms need to address the right agendas and to improve not only the business environment but also the social environment in the country.

Among others, founder of JBCCI and honorary member AKM Moazzem Hussain, past President Sugawara Manabu and newly elected President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan spoke on the occasion.​

 

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Interest grows among Japanese firms to invest in Bangladesh: JETRO

Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Dhaka Country Representative Yuji Ando said Japanese firms have started to show interest to invest in Bangladesh as political situation is gradually improving here. “In the current month (November), around eight new Japanese companies from various se

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Interest grows among Japanese firms to invest in Bangladesh: JETRO
BSS
Published :
Nov 29, 2024 18:25
Updated :
Nov 29, 2024 18:25

Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Dhaka Country Representative Yuji Ando said Japanese firms have started to show interest to invest in Bangladesh as political situation is gradually improving here.

“In the current month (November), around eight new Japanese companies from various sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and food, came to us for discussion on investment. The number was almost zero in August and September. In October, it was a few,” he said while talking to BSS.

Besides this, he said, many Japanese companies running business in Bangladesh came to JETRO for discussions on expansion or their problems.

Ando, however, said business sentiment for Japanese companies in Bangladesh is rather high in Asia and Oceania region. Especially, domestic market size and growth potential is high, he added.

For competitive labor cost, he said, Bangladesh has the second highest ratio of export volume in the total sales in the region.

Local procurement is the key factor for reducing the production cost and expanding the export and domestic business, he added.

From the comparative perspective (especially with ASEAN countries), Ando said, it would be necessary for business environment in Bangladesh to be improved by addressing the issues for Japanese companies in Bangladesh, especially in custom clearance procedures and transparency.

By realizing the competitive investment climate, he said, Bangladesh would be the next investment destination for Japanese companies.

Trade agreement like Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would bring more business-friendly environment in Bangladesh, he opined.

Ando mentioned that Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) and Matarbari deep seaport would become the game changers for Bangladesh’s logistics and manufacturing industry respectively by developing world class infrastructure.

Ando, also Secretary General of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD, SHOO-KOO-KAI in Japanese), said that JCIAD already submitted a set of proposals for reforms before Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to ensure business-friendly environment in the country.

Regarding the proposals, he said, JCIAD called for the simplification of administrative procedures such as reducing paperwork and reviewing submitted information and then speeding up and making them more transparent.

JCIAD requested that policy consistency be ensured, such as maintaining incentives for Economic Zones (EZs) to attract investment and continuing Official Development Assistant (ODA) projects, he added.​