[🇧🇩] Strategic Aspect of Bangla-Japan Relation

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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.​

 

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Intercultural collaboration between Bangladesh, Japan

IN AN era of rapid globalisation, exchange, collaboration, and the building of bridges between cultures are of great importance. The partnership between Bangladesh and Japan...

www.newagebd.net

Intercultural collaboration between Bangladesh, Japan
by Akinori Seki 31 December, 2024, 00:00

IN AN era of rapid globalisation, exchange, collaboration, and the building of bridges between cultures are of great importance. The partnership between Bangladesh and Japan exemplifies the profound potential of such connections, fostering shared values, ethical leadership, and mutual understanding. As someone deeply committed to these ideals, I have dedicated my career to cultivating meaningful relationships that transcend borders.

I was born and raised in a snow-covered rural region of Japan, where educational opportunities were limited. Entering university was both inspiring and intimidating. My urban peers seemed worlds ahead, fluent in English and comfortable with global perspectives. I, by contrast, had never met a foreigner, let alone travelled abroad. Yet, through perseverance and transformative experiences, I have come to dedicate my life to international cultural exchanges and academic research on intercultural communication. This journey has taught me the immense value of bridging divides, both personal and cultural.

In 2011, my academic work took me to Bangladesh for a comparative study on student motivation in intercultural communication and foreign language learning. My visit revealed stark disparities in the education system, particularly in impoverished areas. I met students who were eager to learn despite having limited access to resources. Conversations with educators highlighted systemic inequalities that left many children without basic education. The resilience and determination I witnessed in these communities inspired a deep commitment to exploring how education could become a tool for transformation.

Three years later, in 2014, I met Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, a visionary leader in Bangladesh’s education sector. Our shared passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding led to a fruitful collaboration. Professor Choudhury’s insights and optimism became pivotal in shaping many of my projects. He often emphasised that collaboration rooted in shared values could address systemic issues and inspire students to see beyond their immediate environments.

Together, we envisioned a program that would unite Japanese and Bangladeshi students to tackle global challenges such as poverty, education, and sustainability. These initiatives were guided by ethical principles and mutual respect, offering participants opportunities to learn from one another’s strengths. Professor Choudhury’s wisdom formed the foundation of these programs, transforming them into platforms for meaningful human connection.

In a globalised era, attempting to solve a country’s issues within its borders is both inefficient and limited in scope. Japan, for instance, is a nation known for its economic prosperity and high educational standards. Yet, it grapples with deep societal issues such as low happiness levels, high rates of depression, and alarmingly frequent suicides, particularly among its youth. Addressing these challenges requires looking beyond Japan’s borders and embracing global perspectives. Experiencing the mindset of Bangladeshi people — their community spirit, resilience, and joy — offers invaluable insights into the underlying causes of Japan’s struggles. At the same time, Bangladesh can learn from Japan’s post-war recovery and its disciplined approach to building a society rooted in integrity and hard work.

History has shown that transformative progress often occurs at the intersection of cultures. The Renaissance, for instance, was a period of profound cultural exchange that redefined human civilisation. Similarly, individual growth often stems from exposure to diverse mindsets. By engaging with different cultural paradigms, we continuously reassess and enrich our own beliefs, leading to a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This is why opportunities for Japanese and Bangladeshi students to engage in collaborative projects are so valuable. Despite cultural differences and initial challenges, these exchanges provide a unique chance to touch and shape one another’s mindsets.

The journey was not without setbacks. In 2016, a terrorist attack in Dhaka claimed the lives of several people, including Japanese nationals. The tragedy led to heightened travel restrictions, forcing us to pause our plans. Despite the difficulties, Professor Choudhury remained steadfast in his support, reminding me of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. By 2019, with conditions stabilising, we resumed preparations. However, the Covid pandemic and Professor Choudhury’s sudden passing in 2020 brought unforeseen challenges, testing our resolve and adaptability.

Determined to honour his legacy, we transitioned our initiatives online. Virtual sessions became a lifeline, enabling students from both countries to engage in meaningful dialogue despite physical distance. These exchanges rekindled hope and reaffirmed the importance of cross-cultural collaboration. Since 2022, in-person programs have resumed, focusing on fostering ethical awareness and mutual learning. Each interaction deepens the bonds between participants, transcending borders and enriching perspectives.

In these exchanges, we explore themes that reflect the strengths of both cultures. Japanese ethics rooted in Bushido — emphasising loyalty, respect, and sincerity — offer a structured framework for addressing challenges. Bangladeshi students, in turn, share their cultural emphasis on community resilience and familial bonds. Together, these values create a powerful synergy, demonstrating how diverse perspectives can complement one another in solving global issues.

Japanese participants often reflect on the inspiration they draw from Bangladeshi communities, particularly their resilience and warmth. They describe how direct and open communication in Bangladesh contrasts with Japan’s more reserved social norms, offering valuable lessons in building relationships. Similarly, Bangladeshi students admire Japan’s disciplined approaches to problem-solving and its commitment to fairness and transparency. These insights go beyond academic learning, leaving lasting impressions on everyone involved.

My own journey has been equally transformative. Despite the immense challenges faced by many in Bangladesh, their optimism and community spirit never fail to inspire me. Observing their resilience has made me reflect on the true essence of well-being. At the same time, Japan’s struggles with loneliness and emotional isolation highlight the universal need for connection and belonging. These shared challenges remind me that every nation has much to learn from others, regardless of its economic status or technological advancements.

One conversation that stays with me is from a Bangladeshi student who said, “Through these exchanges, I have realised that our differences are not barriers but opportunities to grow together.” This sentiment captures the heart of cultural exchange. It is not about erasing differences but celebrating them as strengths. It is about finding common ground, not despite our diversity, but because of it.

As I reflect on these experiences, I am reminded of the proverb, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” For many in Bangladesh, Japan represents a model of efficiency and development. Yet, for me, the warmth and communal resilience of Bangladeshi society are equally aspirational. Both nations have unique strengths to offer each other. By combining Japan’s focus on transparency and institutional integrity with Bangladesh’s emphasis on human connections, we can address pressing global challenges while enriching our shared humanity.

Looking ahead, I am steadfast in my commitment to fostering collaboration where the people of both countries respect one another and work together as equals. My aspiration is to explore a better world and more meaningful ways of living, which I believe is my contribution to society. With this conviction, I am confident that through education and cultural exchange, we can transcend individual differences and build a truly global community. To achieve this, both governments and key stakeholders — including academic institutions and national groups from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds — must actively participate to make these exchanges more effective and impactful. Academicians and researchers, in particular, should take the lead in enhancing the quality of these exchanges by providing academic guidance and fostering scholarly engagement.

Together, we can shape a future grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and collective progress.

Akinori Seki is a professor and chairperson of the International Exchange Committee at Tokyo Keizai University and president of the Asia Association of Education and Exchange.​

 

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JICA to support forest department to enhance coastal resilience

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will support Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) in implementing comprehensive forest management utilizing advanced technologies in the country's coastal zone. To this end, JICA has signed a record of discussion with the Economic Relations Division

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

JICA to support forest department to enhance coastal resilience
FE Online Desk
Published :
Jan 11, 2025 17:30
Updated :
Jan 11, 2025 17:30

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will support Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) in implementing comprehensive forest management utilizing advanced technologies in the country's coastal zone.

To this end, JICA has signed a record of discussion with the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and BFD for the project titled "Project for Enhancing Coastal Resilience through Technology-based Forest Management", BSS reports citing a JICA press release.

The project is set to span four years (May 2025 to April 2029) and will involve Japanese experts in necessary fields with relevant BFD counterparts at both headquarters and field levels.

This technical cooperation project aims to enhance the BFD's capacity for forest landscape restoration in coastal areas by promoting technology-based forest management planning and monitoring.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Bangladesh coast is one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change and is exposed to frequent cyclones and storm surges.

As a result, the region is experiencing significant coastal degradation, severely impacting coastal forests, particularly mangrove ecosystems.

In response, BFD has taken a number of initiatives to expand coastal forestry. The project will build on these initiatives by identifying and taking advanced forest planning and monitoring approaches to ensure effective coastal landscape restoration and coastal resilience to mitigate climate change impacts.

Miura Mari, Senior Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office has appreciated ERD, MoEFCC, and BFD for their enormous effort on a project formulation.

She mentioned that this technical cooperation is the first attempt at cooperation in the forestry sector in JICA's cooperation to Bangladesh that is highly significant to disaster risk reduction, livelihood improvement of local community and climate change mitigation.

Dr AKM Shahabuddin, Additional Secretary, ERD, expressed his appreciation to JICA, MoEFCC and BFD for realizing the project and requested MoEFCC and BFD to accelerate the implementation process.

Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, BFD said that there are many challenges in the planning and monitoring of the forest resources, including a lack of modern technology to conserve the forests.

So, BFD will be benefitted by this project and happy to be a part of JICA's first cooperation in the forestry sector in Bangladesh, he added.

Fatema Tuz Zohora, Joint Secretary, MoEFCC, said the project will support the conservation of forest resources using modern technology, including the capacity development of BFD officials.

The ministry is looking forward to having more cooperation with JICA in the future, she added.​

 

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Japan reaffirms strong support for Bangladesh's interim govt

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has reiterated Japan’s strong support for the interim government of Bangladesh and stated that the upcoming parliamentary vice minister-level visit will officially convey this message of political support. During a meeting with Foreign Affairs

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Japan reaffirms strong support for Bangladesh's interim govt
Published :
Jan 27, 2025 19:56
Updated :
Jan 27, 2025 19:56

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has reiterated Japan’s strong support for the interim government of Bangladesh and stated that the upcoming parliamentary vice minister-level visit will officially convey this message of political support.

During a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the ambassador expressed Japan’s commitment to standing firmly by the interim government to support their reform efforts and to further strengthen bilateral relations in broad areas under the Strategic Partnership, UNB reports.

In this context, both sides cordially exchanged views on various issues, including deepening economic ties, enhancing political and security cooperation, addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, and other bilateral cooperation agendas.

The ambassador emphasised the importance of holding Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) soon and ensuring regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. He also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing negotiations for the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan.

Ambassador Shinichi informed the foreign affairs adviser that the chief of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in March this year.

Additionally, he announced Japan’s decision to provide Bangladesh with five patrol vessels to enhance coastal security and confirmed their readiness to sign an agreement with the government to provide equipment for air pollution monitoring in Bangladesh.

In response, the foreign affairs adviser thanked the Japanese government for their unwavering support for the interim government and acknowledged Japan’s role as Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner. He also recognized Japan’s significant contributions to Bangladesh’s major development initiatives.

The foreign affairs adviser assured that Japanese investments in Bangladesh will always remain secure and highlighted the steady and longstanding relationship between the two countries.

He expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued efforts towards finding a durable solution for the safe, sustainable, and dignified return of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The adviser also appreciated Japan’s humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas, including support for those relocated to Bhashan Char.

Mentioning that recent developments in Rakhine State are increasing pressure on Bangladesh, he sought Japan’s support for the upcoming conference on the Rohingya crisis, to be organized by Bangladesh in collaboration with the United Nations in Doha.

Both sides also discussed bilateral collaboration and mutual support on election-related matters in international forums, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign affairs adviser wished the new Japanese ambassador a successful tenure in Bangladesh and expressed hope that bilateral relations would reach new heights during his tenure.​

 

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Tokyo seeks early EPA with Dhaka to boost trade

Japanese parliamentary vice-minister Ikuina Akiko has underscored the need for early conclusion of the economic partnership agreement or EPA between Bangladesh and Japan in order to boost trade and investment between the two countries...

www.newagebd.net

Tokyo seeks early EPA with Dhaka to boost trade
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 02 February, 2025, 23:23

Japanese parliamentary vice-minister Ikuina Akiko has underscored the need for early conclusion of the economic partnership agreement or EPA between Bangladesh and Japan in order to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

The issues were discussed when Japanese parliamentary vice-minister Akiko met foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

Appreciating Bangladesh’s positive investment climate, Akiko mentioned that the Japanese investment and businesses were continuing their operations in Bangladesh despite recent political changes.

The Japanese parliamentary vice-minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lauding Japan’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas including their relocation to Bhashan Char, the foreign adviser sought Japanese support to draw a roadmap for early repatriation of the Rohingyas.

He also sought Japanese support for hosting a high-level conference on the Rohingya issue in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations.

During the meeting, the Japanese vice-minister reiterated Japan’s support for the interim government and its ongoing reform and nation-building initiatives.

The foreign adviser thanked Japan for its immense contribution to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development initiatives since independence.

The Japanese vice-minister conveyed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh during the post-LDC graduation period.

She noted that more than 310 Japanese companies were currently doing business in Bangladesh and the number would go higher.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s commitment to improve the investment environment, the foreign adviser mentioned that BIDA was very proactive to ensure effective functioning of one-stop service (OSS) to facilitate services for foreign investors.

Vice-minister Akiko highlighted the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region for regional peace and stability.

In response, the foreign adviser mentioned that as an advocate for regional peace and stability, Bangladesh had been supportive of a free and open Indo-Pacific region with freedom of navigation for all parties.​