Chattogram Bureau :
More Japanese companies are expected to invest in Bangladesh as Japan is keen on promoting business and economic relations, considering the already improving exports from the South Asian country and the recovering Bangladeshi economy.
Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki made the observations during the inauguration of a Japan desk in Chattogram, which is expected to lead to exploring opportunities for mutual cooperation in terms of trade and investment for Japanese investors in Chattogram.
Delivering his speech as chief guest at the opening ceremony of Japan Desk at the World Trade Centre Chattogram of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on Tuesday last , Naoki said, “The establishment of the Japan desk is timely. Chattogram is the major centre of cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh, cooperation will be enhanced.”If you look at the export figure of Bangladesh to Japan between July and October, it increased by 13.4% compared to the same period last year. So, now you are really increasing your exports to Japan. I really hope that Japan will be the largest importer from Bangladesh in Asia.”He also said that after Covid-19, the Bangladesh economy was “clearly bouncing back, diplomat added. CCCI President Mahbubul Alam said, “Japan has been playing an important role as one of the major partners in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh since independence. JETRO and JBCCI signed a memorandum of understanding to further increase Japanese investment in the country, which led to the establishment of the desk.”
“To mark the 50th anniversary of Japan-Bangladesh friendship an event named Bay of Bengal Growth Summit will be organised next year in collaboration with the Japan embassy in Chattogram,” Mahbubul Alam added.
CCCI Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Saif Powertech Tarafder Md Ruhul Amin said, “Japan has made substantial investments in Bangladesh’s communications, logistics, and infrastructure sectors, including a port expansion in Chattogram. Potential Japanese investors in Bangladesh might benefit in the future from this desk by gathering relevant information, which would play a pivotal role in bilateral relations.”
The Japan desk was set up in collaboration with the CCCI, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (JBCCI) to bring Japanese private sector and Bangladeshi, especially Chattogram-based, private sector, closer to each other to explore opportunities for mutual cooperation in the form of trade and investment.
CCCI Vice President Syed Mohammed Tanvir said the desk was set up with five objectives: “To serve as an interface between Japanese companies wanting to enter into any kind of strategic tie-up with Chattogram-based businesses, the Government of Bangladesh and the Japanese organisation; to provide guidance and information about business opportunities in Japan and ilitations to Japanese companies operating in Chattogram…”Mr. Yuji Ando, the JETRO country representative, said “The desk will be a great hub and starting point to increase Japanese business in Chattogram.”Asif A Chowdhury, president of JBCCI, said, “The services from the desk will be a pillar of Japanese investors in Chattogram and will reduce misconception about investment in Bangladesh.
