Japan on Thursday assured continuation of ongoing Japan-funded big projects in Bangladesh, particularly Matarbari Deep Seaport, Matarbari Coal-Fired Power Plant, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (Metro Rail) and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport third Terminal.

Japan also promised to continue its trade and development cooperation with Bangladesh and support the interim government of Prof Muhammad Yunus in its efforts to key transitions.

Newly-appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi made the promise when he called on Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.

“We are determined to continue our business with Bangladesh. Not only continue but expand,” Ambassador Saida told the Chief Adviser.

Dr Yunus said that Japan is a very important strategic partner for Bangladesh and that his government was looking to develop the relationship further, according to the CA’s press wing.

“We are really proud of our relationship with Japan, which is one of our closest friends and a major development partner,” he said.

Japan is the single largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh, which contributed to Bangladesh’s socio-economic advancement greatly over the years.

The bilateral trade between two countries now stands at around USD 4 billion, with Japan being one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations.

More than 350 Japanese companies are currently operating in Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser said that Bangladesh is now looking for business and trade opportunities with both eastern and western countries, including Japan and members of Saarc and Asean members.

“We are trying to build friendly relations with both the west and the east… it’s time to do business,” the Chief Adviser said.

The Chief Adviser thanked Japan for its continued support for Rohingyas and sought support to find a durable solution for the safe, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingyas to the Rakhine State of Myanmar.