[🇧🇩] Strategic Aspect of Bangla-Japan Relation

[Bilal9]

Japan to recruit 1,00,000 Bangladeshi workers in 5yrs

Japanese authorities and businesses on Thursday announced plans to recruit at least 1,00,000 workers from Bangladesh in the next five years to meet the country’s growing labourers’ shortage.

www.newagebd.net

Japan to recruit 1,00,000 Bangladeshi workers in 5yrs
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Tokyo, Japan 29 May, 2025, 20:01

View attachment 17971
The national flags of Bangladesh and Japan. | File photo

Japanese authorities and businesses on Thursday announced plans to recruit at least 1,00,000 workers from Bangladesh in the next five years to meet the country’s growing labourers’ shortage.

Speaking at a seminar titled, ‘Bangladesh seminar on human resources’, chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said that the interim government of Bangladesh would do everything in its capacity to create the job opportunities for Bangladeshis in Japan.

‘This is going to be the most exciting day for me, the most inspiring day. This will open the door for Bangladeshis not to only work but to know Japan,’ he said.

The chief adviser witnessed the signing of two Memorandum of Under standings – first between Bangladesh’s Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training and Kaicom Dream Street, a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture, and second among Bangladesh’s BMET and Japan’s National Business Support Combined Cooperatives, a business federation with over 65 receiving companies operating in the country, and Japan Bangla Bridge Recruiting Agency at the event organised in Toshi Kaikan conference hall in Tokyo.

Yunus noted that Bangladesh was a country of 180 million people, and half of them were under 27. The government’s job was to open the door for them.

Mitsuru Matsushita, representative director of supervising organisation Shizuoka Workplace Environment Improvement Cooperative, said that many Japanese companies were facing enquiries about Bangladeshis, and he believed the trend would continue.

‘Bangladeshi talents hold great potential. It is our duty to nurture their talent,’ he said.

Mikio Kesagayama, chairman of NBCC, recalled that about 14 years ago, Professor Yunus came to Japan and was telling stories about helping women through microcredit.

‘Our Federation looks to Bangladesh for young and capable labour. They can contribute to the development of both Bangladesh and Japan. In the coming five years, we are prepared to welcome more than 1,00,000 Bangladeshi workers,’ he said.

Sharing the future plan on the recruitment of Bangladeshis in the Japanese industries, Miki Watanabe, president of Watami Group, said that a school, they established in Bangladesh, trained 1,500 students every year, and they were then planning to raise the number to 3,000.

‘With technical education in Bangladesh, they can enter the job market in Japan,’ he said.

Hiroaki Yagi, chairman of Japan International Trainee and Skilled Worker Cooperation Organisation, shared the potential and challenges for Bangladeshis in the Japanese labour market.

He said that the number of language teachers in Bangladesh was still short.

Niki Hirobumi, state minister of the ministry of health, labour and welfare in Japan, said that his country was facing a declining population and thus would need the support of Bangladeshi workforce.

‘This can be promising not only for Bangladesh but also for Japan,’ he said.

In his welcome speech, Daud Ali, Bangladesh ambassador to Japan, said that by 2040, the Japanese labour shortage could reach 11 million, and Bangladesh could take the opportunity to send more skilled workers.

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain, chief adviser’s special envoy Lutfey Siddiqi and principal coordinator on SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.​

Al-hamdu-lillah!

Best news I have heard all week.

 

[Saif]

Japan, Bangladesh to sign economic partnership deal by year-end: PM Ishiba

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Bangladesh, under the leadership of Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, is entering a new era of transformation. During a bilateral meeting with Dr Yunus in Tokyo, Ishiba confirmed that the two friendly nations will finalise an Eco

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Japan, Bangladesh to sign economic partnership deal by year-end: PM Ishiba

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 30, 2025 22:26
Updated :
May 30, 2025 22:26

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Bangladesh, under the leadership of Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, is entering a new era of transformation.

During a bilateral meeting with Dr Yunus in Tokyo, Ishiba confirmed that the two friendly nations will finalise an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of the year to boost trade and investment, according to local media.

In a joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties and strengthening strategic cooperation. Ishiba praised Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and assured continued Japanese support. Dr Yunus expressed gratitude for Japan’s unwavering assistance during the interim government's reform efforts.

Dr Yunus also sought Japanese support for key infrastructure projects, including expressways, bridges, and energy terminals, and called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s high-tech and industrial sectors.

The leaders also discussed regional geopolitics and the Rohingya crisis, with Dr Yunus urging Japan to intensify efforts for a lasting solution. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed admiration for Dr Yunus’s global contributions to poverty alleviation and indicated his interest in visiting Bangladesh soon.​

 

[Saif]

CA urges Japanese firms to invest in Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday called upon Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh and help its economic recovery and rebuilding efforts. “Today, we are in a situation when we need your support most. We have come a long way. The rest of the journey should be of doing thi

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CA urges Japanese firms to invest in Bangladesh

Published :
May 30, 2025 20:19
Updated :
May 30, 2025 20:26

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday called upon Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh and help its economic recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“Today, we are in a situation when we need your support most. We have come a long way. The rest of the journey should be of doing things together with fun and enjoyment,” he told a roundtable in Tokyo.

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) arranged the meeting at its headquarters, reports BSS.

Top executives of Japanese companies in Bangladesh were present at the meeting with significant business interests.

Prof Yunus said during the past 16 years, everything Bangladesh had was demolished in many ways.

“Our financial situation brought to negative situation, rather than zero. Banking system collapsed... our foreign exchange reserve went down, administrative and police system collapsed. That’s our starting point,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said the past ten months of his interim government’s journey have been about building things piece by piece.

“That’s why the support of the government of Japan and the business people of Japan will be extremely helpful,” he said.

Prof Yunus said his government’s commitment is to create a new Bangladesh because there were so many bad things in the old Bangladesh.

“We want to keep a distance from old Bangladesh. So, that’s our journey - to create a new Bangladesh. In that journey, you would be our friends and partners and you will be inspiring us. Wonderful to see you all. It is something that reassures us,” he told the Japanese entrepreneurs.

Prof Yunus said it is an opportunity to build the nation, leaving behind all the terrible things that happened in the past.

“We hope that will be a matter of the past... we have all the terrible experience, and we want to keep it as a thing of the past. We want to lay a foundation of a new future,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh got a “sign of life” with the departure of the autocratic regime and sought a “breathing space” to fix the mess.

He said the shortcomings that Bangladesh has now would soon be over.

Norihiko Ishiguro, JETRO Chairman & CEO, in his opening remarks at the event, said Bangladesh has seen remarkable growth and investment opportunities in recent years.

Fumiya Kokubu, Chairman of the Japan Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC) and Director, Member of the Board, and Executive Corporate Advisor, Marubeni Corporation, said 85 percent of Japanese companies having business in Bangladesh hope the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would be signed this year.

He called for bringing reform tax regulations to remove barriers for investors in Bangladesh.

Shinichi Saida, Ambassador of Japan in Bangladesh, said the most significant item that the Interim Government protected was the economy; no project was halted, and no businesses were suspended.

Shingo Ueno, CEO of Sumitomo Corporation; Mitsuru Izumo, CEO of Euglena Co., Ltd; Steven Winn, Chief Global Strategist of JERA; Kazunori Ogawa, Senior Managing Director of JBIC; Shigeyoshi Onoda, President of ONODA Inc.; Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Vice President of JETRO; and Mayumi Murayama, Executive Vice President of IDE-JETRO, spoke, among others, in the roundtable discussion.

Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser, delivered the concluding statement.​

 

[Saif]

Japan provides $1.063b for budget support, railways upgrade

Japan agrees to lend Bangladesh US$1.063 billion mainly for bankrolling budget and railway upgrade, summit talks in Tokyo Friday yielded several accords of cooperation in various fields. Of the total amount, as agreed, $418 million will come as a budget-support credit, $641 million for upg

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BD-JAPAN SUMMIT TALKS YIELD SEVERAL COOP ACCORDS
Japan provides $1.063b for budget support, railways upgrade

FE REPORT
Published :
May 31, 2025 00:19
Updated :
May 31, 2025 00:19

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru shake hands at a bilateral meeting in Tokyo on Friday.— PID

Japan agrees to lend Bangladesh US$1.063 billion mainly for bankrolling budget and railway upgrade, summit talks in Tokyo Friday yielded several accords of cooperation in various fields.

Of the total amount, as agreed, $418 million will come as a budget-support credit, $641 million for upgrading the Joydevpur-Ishwardi section into a dual-gauge double-track railway and another $4.2 million as grants for scholarships.

The aid pledges were carried in exchange of notes following the meeting between the two countries. The visiting head of interim government of Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, and his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru, led their respective sides at the talks.

The amount of 418 million dollars is being provided as Development Policy Loan for Bangladesh's economic reforms and climate resilience, said a spokesperson for the CA Office.

During the bilateral meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitments to the Strategic Partnership between the two Asian nations.

They also renewed their shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) to ensure peace, stability and shared prosperity for all.

Discussing international and regional matters of common concern, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation for ensuring peace and stability in the region and beyond, upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Both sides also affirmed their support to multilateralism based on the rule of law, as well as to democracy.

Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan's full support to the Interim Government of Bangladesh led by Professor Yunus "in its nation-building efforts, its reform initiatives and its endeavour towards a peaceful transition in Bangladesh", says a joint press statement issued after the meeting.

Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continued support to foster sustainable economic growth and development in Bangladesh in advancing Japan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, especially for the projects under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) Initiative, including Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI).

In this regard, both sides welcomed the signing of the exchange of notes for the Development Policy Loan for Economic Reform and Strengthening Climate Change Resilience, and the Loan for the Project for the construction of dual-gauge double-line rail in Joydebpur-Ishurdi section.

Both sides also welcomed the signing of MoUs and MoC, including ones on One Stop Service (OSS) system in BIDA, installation of prepaid gas meter, the setting up factory for battery-run cycles, the launch of a pilot project for information security, and land agreements with the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), to promote Japanese investment in Bangladesh.

They underscored concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) "in mutually beneficial way" and instructed their respective ministries and negotiating teams to accelerate negotiations to reach an agreement at the earliest.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening political and security cooperation, including early delivery of five patrol boats to Bangladesh Navy under Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA).

They welcomed two governments' consensus in principle on the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology, and expressed their hope for early conclusion of the pact.

They discussed ways of promoting people-to-people exchanges, including skilled human resources, and concurred in strengthening cultural ties between the two Asian countries.

In this regard, Professor Yunus thanked Prime Minister Ishiba for Japan's continued support for human-resource development in Bangladesh, including the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship. Prime Minister Ishiba commended Bangladesh for temporarily sheltering the forcibly displaced persons from Rakhine State of Myanmar and extending continued humanitarian assistance to them.

Professor Yunus appreciated Japan's humanitarian assistance for these down-and-outs, including those in Bhasan Char. Japan reaffirmed its sustained efforts on this issue. Both sides shared the view that a sustainable, safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the displaced persons to Myanmar is the ultimate solution to this crisis for peace and stability across the region.

Both sides also recognised the importance of sincere dialogue among all relevant stakeholders to resolve the crisis.

Meanwhile, Japan and Bangladesh signed six memoranda of understanding on economic, investment and other sorts of cooperation on Friday, the third day of the ongoing visit of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to Japan, said a spokesperson for the CA Office. The CA witnessed the signing of the MoU accords on the sidelines of a seminar titled 'Bangladesh Business Seminar' in Tokyo. The first MoU involves the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the ministry of energy and mineral resources of Bangladesh.

This accord is expected to strengthen cooperation between JBIC and Bangladesh to realise projects in the energy sector.

The second MoU is between ONODA Inc and Bangladesh SEZ Ltd for a land-lease contract for BSEZ.

Japan's ONODA has implemented a gas-meter-installation project initiated by JICA and is planning to do new assembly manufacturing, inspection and maintenance of gas meters at the factory in BSEZ.

The third MoU involves Bangladesh Naxis Co. Ltd and Bangladesh SEZ Ltd for a land lease in BSEZ.

Bangladesh SEZ Ltd. (BSEZ) and Bangladesh Naxis Co. Ltd (Naxis) will sign a land-sublease agreement. Naxis plans to manufacture apparel accessories at the factory in BSEZ.

The fourth MoU involves Glagit and Musashi Seimitsu Industry Glafit and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on support for setting up a factory for battery-run cycles and an electric motorcycle-manufacturing plant.

The fifth MoU involves Cipher Core Co. Ltd which is investing $20 million in its Bangladesh venture to launch a national pilot project for information security based on Complete Cipher Technology by award-winning inventor Takatoshi Nakamura.

The project aims to make Bangladesh a quantum-resilient digital economy, with exclusive rights granted to the local entity for technology deployment and global expansion.

The sixth MoU involves the Japan International Cooperation Agency and BIDA. This one confirms JICA's engagement in providing technical and in-kind support for the early-stage development of the Integrated Single Window Platform (ISWP). This platform is a BIDA-led effort to consolidate the individual one-stop services currently operated by various investment-promotion agencies across Bangladesh.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus congratulated all parties involved. "Now it is our task to implement. I am moved," he said.

Mentioning the situation Bangladesh had passed through in the past 16 years, the Chief Adviser said the country faced "continuous earthquakes" during the time that left "nothing in shape".

"In this situation a good friend came up... and that friend is Japan. I came here to thank you and design the next step," he told his audience.

Calling the challenge historical, the Chief Adviser said, "We want to show the history that it was done, done in a perfect way.

"We have kind of tightened our belt and say here we are to work. With your support it is doable."

In this onerous job, he stressed a combined synergy. "Let's put our hands together and execute it... it's not about making money. It's about changing people's lives."

Shinji Takeuchi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), noted at the event that the number of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh exceeded now 300, three-fourths higher than 10 years ago.

Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman and CEO, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), delivered the welcome speech where Fumiya Kokubu, Chairman of Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC) and Director, Member of the Board, Executive Corporate Adviser, Marubeni Corporation, also spoke.​

 

[Saif]

Prof Yunus' visit elevates Dhaka-Tokyo ties: Shafiqul Alam

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the relationship between Bangladesh and Japan relations reached a new height with wider and deeper cooperation through the just-concluded visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Tokyo. "Our relations with Japan have reached a ne

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Prof Yunus' visit elevates Dhaka-Tokyo ties: Shafiqul Alam

Published :
May 31, 2025 18:43
Updated :
May 31, 2025 18:43

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the relationship between Bangladesh and Japan relations reached a new height with wider and deeper cooperation through the just-concluded visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Tokyo.

"Our relations with Japan have reached a new height through the Chief Adviser’s visit and the bilateral meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister," Alam told reporters in Tokyo on Friday night, UNB reports.

Chief Adviser Professor Yunus, who is scheduled to return home tonight (Saturday night) had a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on May 30.

The Press Secretary said Japan stood by Bangladesh following the unprecedented mass uprising in July and August.

During a very cordial meeting with the Chief Adviser on Friday, the Japanese Prime Minister reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to stand beside Bangladesh in the coming days.

The Japanese Prime Minister also announced a commitment of $1.063 billion to Bangladesh for budget support and railway development.

“It will support the government’s efforts to revive the economy, especially as the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina fled the country, leaving the state coffers empty,” he said.

Alam said Japan is also providing five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.

He mentioned that a wide range of issues were discussed during the meeting, and that the Japanese side expressed interest in making bilateral relations more multidimensional by expanding cooperation in many areas.

Japan also expressed its intention to support improvements in Bangladesh’s voter registration and other electoral processes.

The press secretary said the Japanese side also appreciated Bangladesh’s role in the Indo-Pacific region. "We hope that Bangladesh's relations with Japan will reach even greater heights in the future."

Both sides held in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest in a candid manner.

Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s full support to the interim government of Bangladesh led by Professor Yunus for its nation-building efforts, its reform initiatives and its endeavour towards a peaceful transition in Bangladesh.

Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to the government of Japan for its continued support to foster sustainable economic growth and development in Bangladesh in advancing Japan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, especially for the projects under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) Initiative, including Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI).

In this regard, both sides welcomed the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the Development Policy Loan for Economic Reform and Strengthening Climate Change Resilience, and the Loan for the Project for the Construction of Dual Gauge Double Line Between Joydebpur-Ishurdi Section (I).

Recalling the long-standing friendship since the independence of Bangladesh, both sides reaffirmed their commitments to the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

They also reiterated their shared vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) to ensure peace, stability and shared prosperity for all.

Both sides held discussions on international and regional matters and reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation for ensuring peace and stability in the region and beyond, upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.

They also affirmed their support to multilateralism based on the rule of law, as well as to democracy.

Prof Yunus expressed sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Ishiba and the people of Japan for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and invited Prime Minister Ishiba to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.​

 

[Saif]

Japan, Bangladesh to sign economic partnership deal by year-end: PM Ishiba

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Bangladesh, under the leadership of Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, is entering a new era of transformation. During a bilateral meeting with Dr Yunus in Tokyo, Ishiba confirmed that the two friendly nations will finalise an Eco

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Japan, Bangladesh to sign economic partnership deal by year-end: PM Ishiba

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 30, 2025 22:26
Updated :
May 30, 2025 22:26

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Bangladesh, under the leadership of Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, is entering a new era of transformation.

During a bilateral meeting with Dr Yunus in Tokyo, Ishiba confirmed that the two friendly nations will finalise an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of the year to boost trade and investment, according to local media.

In a joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties and strengthening strategic cooperation. Ishiba praised Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and assured continued Japanese support. Dr Yunus expressed gratitude for Japan’s unwavering assistance during the interim government's reform efforts.

Dr Yunus also sought Japanese support for key infrastructure projects, including expressways, bridges, and energy terminals, and called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s high-tech and industrial sectors.

The leaders also discussed regional geopolitics and the Rohingya crisis, with Dr Yunus urging Japan to intensify efforts for a lasting solution. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed admiration for Dr Yunus’s global contributions to poverty alleviation and indicated his interest in visiting Bangladesh soon.​

 

[Saif]

Big Japanese investors to come to Bangladesh, hopes Press Secretary

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday expressed optimism about increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh following the highly successful visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Japan. “It was a very successful visit,” said the Press Secretary while

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Big Japanese investors to come to Bangladesh, hopes Press Secretary

Published :
Jun 01, 2025 18:42
Updated :
Jun 01, 2025 18:42

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday expressed optimism about increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh following the highly successful visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Japan.

“It was a very successful visit,” said the Press Secretary while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, UNB reports.

He said the relationship between Bangladesh and Japan has become deeper and stronger, expressing hope that major Japanese investors will now come forward to invest significantly in Bangladesh.

On the issue of manpower export, the Press Secretary said a new opportunity has emerged with the formation of a dedicated task force.

Alam said with coordinated steps, Bangladesh could export a greater number of workers to Japan, with an initial target of 100,000 over the next five years. “Japan will be an important manpower export destination for Bangladesh,” he said.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Ahmmad Foyez were also present at the briefing.

On May 30, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali signed the Exchange of Notes for Japanese loans titled ‘Development Policy Loan for Economic Reform and Strengthening Climate Change Resilience’ (up to JPY 60 billion) and ‘Construction of Dual Gauge Double Line Between Joydebpur–Ishurdi Section Project (Ⅰ)’ (up to JPY 92 billion), as well as a grant aid titled ‘The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)’ (up to JPY 606 million).

The signing ceremony, held in Tokyo, was witnessed by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan IKUINA Akiko and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.

During the official working visit of Professor Yunus to Japan from May 28 to 31, both countries reaffirmed their ‘Strategic Partnership’ and agreed to enhance cooperation across a wide range of areas, including economic development.​

 

[Saif]

Commerce ministry asks agencies to submit project proposals for Japanese assistance

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has directed its affiliated agencies to submit project proposals for implementation with technical cooperation from the Japanese government. The ministry has also set June 30, 2025 as the deadline for submission of the project proposals, according to the ministry off

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Commerce ministry asks agencies to submit project proposals for Japanese assistance

FE REPORT
Published :
Jun 18, 2025 08:48
Updated :
Jun 18, 2025 08:48

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has directed its affiliated agencies to submit project proposals for implementation with technical cooperation from the Japanese government.

The ministry has also set June 30, 2025 as the deadline for submission of the project proposals, according to the ministry officials.

The MoC has recently issued an official order in this regard to the relevant entities, including Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), Directorate Of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), Office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC), Office of Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E), Bangladesh Tea Board (BTB), Bangladesh Competition commission (BCC), Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI), Business Promotion Council (BPC), The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) and Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB).

Earlier, the Japanese government has invited project proposals through its Embassy in Dhaka for implementation of projects with Japanese technical assistance in Bangladesh during Japan's 2026 fiscal year (April 2026 to March 2027).

The proposals will have to be submitted to the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka by July 03, according to the officials.

The MoC entities will be able to submit proposals, seeking technical cooperation for the purpose of project assistance, individual expert, individual training and development planning, it was learnt.

The proposals will have to be submitted as per the prescribed format, an official at the commerce ministry said.​

 

[Saif]

JBCCI hosts farewell reception for Yuji Ando

The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) organised a farewell reception on June 22, 2025, in honour of Mr. Yuji Ando, Joint Secretary General and Past President of JBCCI. The event was attended by current and former board members, past presidents, honorary members, and senior

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

JBCCI hosts farewell reception for Yuji Ando

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 22, 2025 18:49
Updated :
Jun 22, 2025 18:49

The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) organised a farewell reception on June 22, 2025, in honour of Mr. Yuji Ando, Joint Secretary General and Past President of JBCCI.

The event was attended by current and former board members, past presidents, honorary members, and senior officials from the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh.

JBCCI President Mr. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) inaugurated the programme with a welcome speech. Several officials, members, and former presidents then took the opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Ando, recalling his valuable contributions to the business communities of both Japan and Bangladesh, including his dedicated service to JBCCI. They also extended their best wishes for his future endeavours.

As a token of appreciation, JBCCI Board Members presented Mr Ando with gifts of gratitude.

In his remarks, Mr Yuji Ando reflected on his association with JBCCI and highlighted the chamber’s pivotal role in fostering business cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh. He conveyed his best wishes for JBCCI’s future growth and success.

Photographs from the event were also shared by JBCCI for documentation.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/dhaka-tokyo-ink-deal-to-develop-rail-communication

Dhaka, Tokyo ink deal to develop rail communication

BSS
Published :
Jun 27, 2025 19:39
Updated :
Jun 27, 2025 19:39

A loan agreement was signed today for the project titled “Construction of Dual Gauge Double Line between Joydebpur-Ishurdi Section Project (I)” under the 2nd batch of the 46th Japanese ODA Loan Package between Bangladesh and Japan.

The ‘Loan Agreement’ was signed on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, while ICHIGUCHI Tomohide, Chief Representative of the JICA Office in Bangladesh, signed the loan agreement on behalf of the Government of Japan in the NEC-2 conference room of the Economic Relations Division in the city.

Under the agreement, the Government of Japan will provide a loan assistance of JPY 92,077 million (approximately US$630 million) to Bangladesh.

It is noteworthy that during the Honorable Chief Advisor’s recent visit to Japan, the ‘Exchange of Notes’ for the loan of this project was signed on May 30, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.

This project has been undertaken with the aim of improving the country’s communication system by enhancing the capacity of the existing railway track through double tracking.

The project will include the construction of a 162 km dual gauge main line, 25 km loop and siding lines, 11 km reconstruction of existing tracks, construction of 3 new stations, and other associated works.

The Government of Japan will provide funding for the project in different phases. Previously, a loan agreement of JPY 4,228 million (approximately $ 32 million) was signed with the Government of Japan for the engineering services of the project.

For this first tranche, the interest rate for the loan is 2.00% for construction works, 0.65% for consultancy services, and a Front-End Fee (at a time) of 0.20%. Repayment period of this loan will be 30 years which includes 10 years grace period.

Japan is the largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh. It has been providing continuous support for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh since our independence.

In line with the Bangladesh government’s priorities for achieving economic growth, the Japanese government has so far committed $ 33.62 billion loan and grant assistance for infrastructure development in different sectors like communications, power and energy, agriculture, education, health and family welfare, water supply and sanitation, rural development, environmental development, and human resource development.​

 

[Saif]

CA urges Japan to enhance cooperation with Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged Japan to further strengthen its cooperation with Bangladesh

en.prothomalo.com

CA urges Japan to enhance cooperation with Bangladesh

BSS
Published: 03 Jul 2025, 21: 29

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged Japan to further strengthen its cooperation with Bangladesh in areas such as investment, fisheries, Rohingya humanitarian response, and youth development, including education and sports.

The Chief Adviser made these remarks during his meeting with Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

"Japan has always been a trusted friend. I recently visited your country, and I was deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality extended to me and my delegation," said Prof Yunus.

Miyazaki noted that Bangladesh remains one of Japan's most important partners in Asia and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to continue supporting Bangladesh's development journey. "We deeply mourn the lives lost and those injured in July, (uprising)" she said.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser highlighted the importance of the Matarbari project, describing it as "the most important region for our country's future."

He emphasised Bangladesh's maritime potential. "When I spoke with the JICA President in Japan, I told him that we wanted to become a sea-based economy," he added.

Prof Yunus also requested Japan to increase scholarships for Bangladeshi young people to study in Japan, as well as expand opportunities for employment. "Many young people can go to Japan for work too. The issue is language. We proposed that Japanese teachers come here or offer distance learning so our people can learn Japanese language and workplace etiquette," he said.

The Chief Adviser also raised concerns about the situation of Rohingya. "It is a sad situation. Thousands of young people are growing up in camps with no hope. They are becoming frustrated and angry." he said.

Miyazaki said JICA is focusing on supporting reforms in Bangladesh's judiciary, public administration, local government, and health sector as the country prepares for its graduation from LDC status in 2026.

She added JICA has taken up a Bangladesh focused project in an effort to introduce advanced ICT human resource training in collaboration with local governments, companies, and universities in both countries.

On youth development, the Chief Adviser highlighted Bangladesh's success in women's sports.

"Our girls are winning everywhere. Yesterday they won another match and reached the final. We are increasing hostel facilities but need help for their health and training as well," he said.

Miyazaki responded positively, stating that Japan is already sending volunteers for schooling projects in many countries and will consider further cooperation in women's sports.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser thanked Japan for signing the recent Loan and Grant Agreements worth over USD one billion for economic reforms, railway construction, and human resource development, and requested an increase in Japan's annual ODA threshold from JPY300 billion to 450 billion to implement more development projects.

"Bangladesh will always remember Japan's friendship and contributions," Prof Yunus concluded.​

 

[Saif]

Japan-only bidders, fat quotes and no room to negotiate

A fresh dilemma has emerged in Dhaka's ambitious metro-rail expansion as the state-owned operator faces exorbitant bids from a narrow pool of Japanese firms. Despite interest from companies worldwide, restrictive Japan-specific tender conditions have effectively sidelined all but a few players, re

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

DMTCL in a fix over MRT 5 North execution
Japan-only bidders, fat quotes and no room to negotiate

Munima Sultana
Published :
Jul 09, 2025 00:35
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 00:35

A fresh dilemma has emerged in Dhaka's ambitious metro-rail expansion as the state-owned operator faces exorbitant bids from a narrow pool of Japanese firms.

Despite interest from companies worldwide, restrictive Japan-specific tender conditions have effectively sidelined all but a few players, resulting in a staggering 162-percent cost overrun in one major contract package, sources said.

The lowest bid for contract package (CP) 6 of MRT Line 5 North came in at over Tk 155 billion, dwarfing earlier cost estimates and putting the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) in a bind with no room for negotiation, due to the Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) rigid financing rules.

Procurement insiders and engineers now warn that the country's metro rail procurement process has become increasingly monopolised by Japanese firms, with systemic limitations built into tender documents.

Despite initial global interest, only a handful of Japanese companies made it through to final bidding stages-raising questions about transparency, competitiveness, and long-term technological dependence in one of Bangladesh's most significant infrastructure undertakings.

The DMTCL is currently implementing two major metro projects-MRT Line 1 and MRT Line 5 North-funded primarily by JICA. In the case of CP 6 of MRT 5 North, the lowest bidder quoted Tk 155.27 billion while the second came in slightly higher at Tk 164.30 billion.

These bids overshot the revised project cost of Tk 59.51 billion, already up from the Tk 39.67 billion outlined in the original 2019 development project proposal (DPP), and even exceeded the engineering estimate of Tk 61.26 billion prepared in 2025 by the project's Japanese design consultant.

CP 6's prequalification process, initiated in August 2024, saw 15 firms express interest, yet only four (all Japanese) were prequalified. Ultimately, just two companies submitted final bids.

DMTCL insiders say such one-sided participation reflects deeper flaws in the procurement framework, where Japan-specific tender conditions and tax exemptions discourage wider competition.

While Japanese firms enjoy full VAT and income tax waivers, other countries' bidders do not, making it financially unviable for them to compete.

This trend has persisted across multiple contract packages of both MRT 1 and 5 North. For example, CP 1 of both projects, related to depot land development, was awarded to Japanese firms.

In MRT 1, which will be the country's first underground metro rail, 15-36 companies initially bought prequalification documents across various CPs, including CPs 2 through 10.

However, the final bids overwhelmingly came from just two or three Japanese firms with some packages receiving no final bids at all, despite strong initial interest.

According to officials involved in bid evaluations, this pattern reveals a systemic issue: foreign firms with technological expertise and interest are deterred by the tender structure, which is narrowly tailored to Japanese firms.

This is in part due to JICA's guidelines, which do not allow price negotiations once the lowest bidder is selected, further tying DMTCL's hands, even when costs far exceed both estimates and fiscal logic.

Critics argue that this quasi-monopoly stems not just from JICA's terms, but also from a lack of technical competence and awareness within DMTCL.

Engineers working on the project say that tender documents were developed with little understanding of global MRT technologies, leaving little room for alternatives.

"We cannot even negotiate with the final bidders against these unusual quotations," said a DMTCL insider, noting that previous management failed to negotiate key terms with JICA before signing the loan agreements.

Preferring not to be named, an insider in the overall procurement, evaluation process told the FE that as only Japanese companies enjoy total tax exemption in all development projects, making it non-competitive for other countries.

This has led to concerns about future technology lock-ins. As one engineer put it, "The three MRT lines, including MRT 6, already partially operational, have been blocked by Japanese systems. Even if DMTCL wants to bring in other technologies in the future, it may not be possible."

Sources at the Japanese consultant side have defended the current arrangement, pointing out that many government-funded projects worldwide, including those financed by China or through India's Line of Credit, often prioritise firms from the donor country.

However, procurement experts in Bangladesh counter that in this case, the issue lies in the extreme extent of that preference and its rigid enforcement, which has turned procurement into a non-competitive process.

The DMTCL is overseeing the development of a 128-kilometre MRT network comprising six metro lines across Dhaka's north-south and east-west corridors.​