PM Urges Japanese Investment to Make Bangladesh a Global Manufacturing Hub
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Japanese entrepreneurs to make large-scale investments in Bangladesh to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the ‘Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum Dialogue’ at the JETRO Hall in Tokyo on Wednesday, October 28, he highlighted Japan as a long-standing and trusted friend. Visiting at the invitation of Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi following a successful bilateral summit, he emphasized elevating the 50-year partnership to new heights over the next 30 to 50 years through enhanced trade, economic cooperation, and direct investment, with JETRO President Susumu Kataoka present.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s demographic strength, PM Tarique Rahman stated that the nation offers a market of over 180 million people with an average age of 27 and produces 40,000 to 50,000 engineering graduates annually. Driven by an expanding middle class, Bangladesh is projected to become the world’s 9th largest consumer economy by 2030 and cross a $1 trillion GDP threshold by 2034. He also highlighted the recently signed historic Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which grants 7,379 Bangladeshi products duty-free access to Japan while offering preferential access to Japanese electronics, steel, and auto parts in Bangladesh.
Addressing investor confidence, the PM acknowledged that business requires certainty and committed to resolving investor concerns regarding uninterrupted energy supply, efficient infrastructure, and predictable tax systems. ‘I fully recognize that business requires certainty and investors need confidence. Our role is to create the right environment to ensure both,’ he stated. He pledged full government backing for Japanese automakers, retailers, and machinery firms setting up operations at the Japanese Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj, ensuring streamlined customs procedures and updated rules to safeguard investments.
The PM explicitly invited targeted investments across three core strategic sectors: energy infrastructure, high-tech research, and transport. He proposed building an innovation-focused ‘Bangladesh-Japan Technology Park’ for AI, robotics, and cloud computing, while seeking space technology collaboration with Japan. Additionally, he requested Japanese master planning and financing for a nationwide elevated highway network and high-speed rail links connecting six major divisional cities. Recognizing energy security as vital for Bangladesh’s future, he urged Japanese firms to participate in efficient power generation and renewable energy projects.
Underscoring the emotional bond between both nations, PM Tarique Rahman announced a priority government initiative to teach the Japanese language to young students, expressing confidence that millions of bilingual youths will deepen future ties. Recalling Japan’s early recognition and steadfast support after Bangladesh’s 1971 independence, he remarked, ‘Japan stood by us when we were building our foundation. I now invite you to build our industry, create new opportunities, and move forward together with us.’ Opening his address with ‘Konnichiwa’ and concluding with ‘Arigatou Gozaimasu,’ he invited Japanese leaders to join Bangladesh’s growth journey.
