Japanese Prime Minister’s special envoy and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister SUZUKI Norikazu on Wednesday expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in technology and agriculture sectors.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office in the afternoon, he also stressed the need to effectively advance the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, said a PMO release.

The Japanese minister, who is leading a high-level delegation, also invited the Prime Minister, on behalf of Japan, to visit their country.

In response, the Prime Minister expressed hope of making an official visit at a convenient time.

During the meeting, SUZUKI Norikazu congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office of Prime Minister on behalf of the Japanese government and expressed hope for taking Bangladesh-Japan relations to new heights.

He also showed interest in increasing exports of Japanese food products to Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh and Japan are long-tested friends, noting that one of the current government’s top priorities is creating employment opportunities for young people.

He called for boosting Japanese investment in the agriculture, electronics and automobile sectors.

Tarique Rahman also expressed interest in exporting Bangladeshi manpower to Japan, particularly skilled workers in the healthcare and agriculture sectors. The Japanese delegation responded positively to these proposals.

During the meeting, the Japanese side stressed the importance of ensuring the smooth and timely completion of major projects being implemented with Japanese support, including the Matarbari deep seaport, Metro Rail project and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The Prime Minister assured continued cooperation in this regard.

The Japanese delegation also said Japan is providing US$17.5 million in assistance to help address the Rohingya crisis.

Tarique Rahman emphasised the need for the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland – Myanmar.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Agriculture and Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi were also present at the meeting.

Later, SUZUKI Norikazu witnessed the parliamentary session, where Members of Parliament warmly welcomed him and his delegation by thumping their desks.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni announced the arrival of the Japanese minister in the House.

“We are delighted to inform the House that the Japanese Prime Minister’s special envoy and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister SUZUKI Norikazu has arrived in Parliament,” he said.