Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki on Sunday said Bangladesh has been able to send a strong message to the world in terms of keeping positive GDP growth even in the pandemic.

During a meeting with Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Rizwan Rahman, the Japanese envoy said the “Japanese Economic Zone” in Araihazar will be operational by next year and it will expedite Japanese investments in Bangladesh.

Ambassador Naoki said a joint study can be conducted with an initiative of both the governments to sign a free trade agreement (FTA).

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He also mentioned that smooth customs clearance facilities, import transactions, better infrastructure of EPZ and EZ and skilled human resources will boost ease of doing business.

The Ambassador said Japan’s Mitsubishi has completed their feasibility study and they will make a decision on investment in Bangladesh next year.

Automotive industry in Bangladesh could be an emerging investment destination for Japanese entrepreneurs, said DCCI President Rizwan Rahman.

He said Bangladesh and Japan have had a strong bilateral business relationship since long and thanked the Japanese government for providing Covid vaccine for the Bangladeshi people.

The DCCI President said Bangladesh mainly exports RMG products to Japan and urged the Ambassador to facilitate other promising products for export to Japan.

He said Japan can play a vital role in skill development in Bangladesh and share technical know-how and train Bangladeshi entrepreneurs. 

He thanked the Japanese entrepreneurs who had already registered in “Bangladesh Trade & Investment Summit” to be jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and DCCI from October 26.

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DCCI Senior Vice President N K A Mobin, Vice President Monowar Hossain and Second Secretary (Economic Affairs and Development Cooperation Section) of Japan Embassy Shirahata Kasumi were also present during the meeting.