[🇧🇩] Strategic Aspect of Bangla-Japan Relation

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G Bangladesh Defense Forum

Political stability key to higher Japanese investment: experts

Bangladesh must ensure long-term political stability, maintain policy consistency, and improve regulatory processes to create an environment conducive to attracting more Japanese investment, according to speakers at a discussion yesterday.

The findings of the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) 2024 survey have underscored the country's resilience and investment potential, particularly in attracting Japanese businesses, they said.

The discussion on the "2024 Jetro Survey on Business Conditions of Japanese Companies in Asia and Oceania" was organised by Jetro at The Westin Dhaka.

"Political stability and policy consistency remain vital to investor confidence," said Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of Bida

"Bangladesh's investment potential and key areas for improvement have been reflected in the Jetro 2024 survey," said Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

Speaking on the country's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, he reaffirmed Bida's dedication to addressing investor concerns, particularly those of Japanese businesses.

"The structured flow of human capital is crucial," he said, noting that Japanese investors emphasise skilled labour export and knowledge exchange.

Bida is actively working to streamline labour management systems to ensure a stronger economic partnership with Japan, he said.

Chowdhury also stressed the need to integrate Bangladesh into the broader regional trade network.

He acknowledged that investment decision-making varies globally and that Japanese investors typically adopt a long-term approach.

"Political stability and policy consistency remain vital to investor confidence," he said.

Chowdhury also emphasised the need for structural reforms to ensure transparency and predictability.

"Developing quantifiable indicators will help track progress and build a more stable investment environment," he said.

An upcoming investment summit has drawn significant global interest, said Chowdhury, expressing optimism about Bangladesh's potential to become a leading investment destination.

Saida Shinichi, Japan's ambassador to Bangladesh, said the findings of the Jetro survey reaffirm what has long been recognised—that Bangladesh holds immense potential as a destination for Japanese investment.

He said the country's business environment was improving and that despite global uncertainties, the Bangladeshi economy remained resilient.

"While some investors may be waiting for the outcome of upcoming national elections, it is reassuring to see a growing sense of stability and optimism in the market," he said.

"My recent visit to Japan, along with high-level exchanges between our two countries, highlights the deepening economic relationship we share," he pointed out.

"However, to fully unlock this potential, we must continue working together to enhance business conditions, address investor concerns, and ensure long-term policy continuity," the ambassador emphasised.

He also said Japanese companies were eager to explore opportunities in Bangladesh, particularly in manufacturing, infrastructure, and human capital development.

"To attract more investment, it is crucial to streamline regulatory processes, improve logistics, and create a more predictable business environment," he said.

"These efforts will not only benefit Japanese investors but also contribute to Bangladesh's long-term economic growth," Shinichi added.

He said stability, continuity, and cooperation would be essential in shaping a future where Japanese and Bangladeshi businesses thrive together.

"I… remain confident that, through collaboration, we can further strengthen our economic partnership," he said.

"Japan remains committed to supporting Bangladesh's development journey, and I believe our cooperation will only grow stronger in the years ahead," Shinichi said.

"The Jetro 2024 survey highlights Bangladesh's strong business momentum despite political changes, reflecting its resilience and investment potential," said Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said Japanese companies were increasingly exploring both export and domestic market opportunities, showcasing confidence in Bangladesh's economic landscape.

However, for sustainable growth, key factors must be addressed—ensuring political stability, maintaining policy consistency, and developing backward linkage industries to enhance local procurement, he added.

"BIDA's proactive approach and the Japanese ambassador's continuous support are crucial in this regard. Strengthening these areas will further solidify Bangladesh's position as a key investment destination for Japanese businesses," he said.

Yuji Wagata, vice president of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka, said they were committed to creating a stable and conducive environment for business growth through collaboration and effective regulation.

"By working together, we can enhance Bangladesh's business climate and contribute to its economic development," he said.

Yuji Ando, country representative of Jetro in Dhaka, highlighted that business momentum in Bangladesh remains strong despite political changes.

He said Japanese companies were increasingly exploring both export-oriented and domestic market opportunities in the country.

He emphasised that political stability, policy consistency, increasing local procurement to reduce costs, and the development of backward linkage industries were crucial for business expansion.

Ando stressed that the success of Japanese companies in Bangladesh directly contributes to the country's foreign direct investment promotion, underscoring the importance of continuous efforts and dialogue in business development.​
 

Over 60pc Japanese cos keen to expand business in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 23 April, 2025, 22:41

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Participants pose for photo during The 6th Bangladesh-Japan public-private joint economic dialogue held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry at Tokyo in Japan. | BSS photo

Japanese vice-minister for economy, trade and industry Matsuo Takehiko while referring to a survey said that more than 60 per cent of the Japanese companies were considering expanding their business in Bangladesh.

He said that his government is ready to facilitate enhancing Japanese investment in Bangladesh through public private partnership.

The vice-minister was speaking at the 6th Bangladesh-Japan Public-Private Joint Economic Dialogue held today at the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry ministry in Tokyo, according to a message received here today.

The Bangladesh delegation, comprising senior government officials and private sector representatives, was led by principal secretary to the chief advisor M Siraz Uddin Miah.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi also attended the event.

The dialogue provided a platform for continued open and constructive engagement between stakeholders from both countries.

The discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation, with particular attention to connectivity, the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), logistics, energy transition, agriculture, and the simplification of tax and customs procedures.

At the dialogue, Bangladesh highlighted its investment potential and ongoing reform initiatives aimed at fostering a more business-friendly environment.

The Japanese side was updated on the progress made in response to earlier feedback from Japanese investors.

The Japanese delegation conveyed their private sector’s strong satisfaction with Bangladesh’s improving business climate, noting that the number of Japanese companies in the country has tripled over the past decade.

This reflects increased investor confidence and strong interest in business expansion.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic ties and expressed the hope for concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of this year.

Bangladesh reiterated its full support to facilitate Japanese investment and emphasized its willingness to work closely with Japanese stakeholders.

The Japanese side welcomed the ongoing reforms and expressed optimism that the current momentum would continue.

Principal Secretary Miah assured that the Bangladesh government will continue working to address the key challenges, as raised in the discussion.

He highlighted reform and automation efforts to ensure a more investor-friendly environment and underscored the importance of concluding the EPA before Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

The dialogue, held in a hybrid format, was attended by senior officials from both governments and prominent business leaders.

From Bangladesh, participants included representatives from the chief advisor’s Office, National Board of Revenue, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Bank and FBCCI.

From the Japanese side, participants included among others the Chairman of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Co-operation of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Japanese foreign ministry and other ministries officials as well as heads of the JICA and JETRO offices in Bangladesh and representatives from the Japanese private sector.​
 

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