PM Calls for More Japanese Investment in Energy, Technology and Infrastructure

Bangladesh-Japan tech park and ministerial joint commission proposed; cooperation sought for high-speed rail links connecting six divisional cities; Tokyo urged to play an active role in the swift and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the Japanese government and private sector to play a more active role in Bangladesh’s economic development, technological progress and industrialisation. He made the call during a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Tuesday (October 27).

The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, expanding trade and investment, ensuring energy security, promoting technology and space research, developing infrastructure, and increasing cooperation on regional and international issues.

Tarique Rahman urged the Japanese government and private sector to become more actively involved in achieving Bangladesh’s economic and industrial development goals. He said his government was working to turn Bangladesh into a hub for the economy, technology and manufacturing. He noted that Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, while its gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed $1 trillion by 2034.

The prime minister said Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. Japan was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971 and has remained one of its key development partners.

He said the relationship between the two countries was built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to peace, prosperity and stability. Mr. Rahman recalled that his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, visited Japan twice. He also acknowledged the contributions of his late mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening Bangladesh-Japan relations. He pledged to follow in their footsteps and take bilateral ties to new heights.

Energy security and cooperation

Tarique Rahman placed special emphasis on ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security. He said a reliable and affordable energy supply was essential to sustaining the country’s economic growth. Expressing gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support, he referred to the recent 50 billion Japanese yen emergency assistance loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative to strengthen energy security in Asia. He called for greater Japanese investment and participation in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.

Technology, artificial intelligence and space research

Tarique Rahman proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to help build a technology-driven economy. He stressed the importance of connecting Japanese companies, universities and investors with young Bangladeshi talent, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals in the technology sector.

The proposed tech park would prioritise artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing. He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies, where Japan has advanced capabilities.

Infrastructure, high-speed rail and transport

The prime minister outlined plans to develop modern and integrated transport infrastructure to accelerate Bangladesh’s economic growth. He said the government planned to build a high-speed rail network connecting the country’s six major divisional cities, along with elevated roads across the country.

He sought Japan’s assistance in planning these major infrastructure projects, providing technical support, and arranging investment and financing. He said Japan’s extensive experience in infrastructure development and modern transport systems could play an important role in meeting Bangladesh’s development goals.

Expanding trade and investment

Welcoming new investment by Japanese businesses in Bangladesh, Mr. Rahman said his government was committed to improving the investment climate by making regulatory systems, tax policies, customs clearance and fund transfer procedures more transparent, predictable and efficient.

He expressed hope that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would be implemented soon. He said both countries needed to work together to ensure that the agreement’s benefits reached their people.

United Nations, Indo-Pacific and the Rohingya crisis

Discussing regional and international issues, Mr. Rahman highlighted the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Japan to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law. He thanked Japan for supporting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He expressed hope that Bangladesh and Japan would work closely to strengthen multilateral cooperation and address global challenges under his presidency.

Reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, Mr.  Rahman stressed the need to expand cooperation in regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth. The prime minister expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in Myanmar and the resulting displacement of Rohingyas. He called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among all concerned parties.

He praised Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to assist Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and sheltered in Bangladesh. Mr. Rahman urged Japan to continue engaging actively with all parties to promote peace and stability in Rakhine State. He said a lasting solution to the crisis lay in Myanmar and stressed that the Rohingyas must be repatriated to their homeland swiftly, voluntarily, safely and with dignity.

Proposal for joint commission to take ties to new heights

In his concluding remarks, Tarique Rahman said the summit would open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations while preserving the historic legacy of friendship between the two countries. He expressed hope that the new chapter would be built on deeper trust, broader economic cooperation, stronger investment ties, and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.

The prime minister proposed establishing a ministerial-level joint commission to identify priority sectors, accelerate the implementation of agreed initiatives and turn opportunities for cooperation into practical projects. He also stressed the importance of closer engagement and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

Saying that the constructive discussions had strengthened their shared commitment to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, Mr. Rahman invited Ms. Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. He expressed hope that the friendship between Bangladesh and Japan would continue to deepen and expand on the basis of mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity.