Japan
Dhaka, Tokyo to work towards building a “strategic” relationship
Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to further intensify their existing excellent ties and work towards building a “strategic” relationship.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen had an extensive meeting with Japanese Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Shigeo Yamada in Tokyo on Tuesday as part of regular Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) to comprehensively discuss the bilateral relations, regional and global issues.
Bangladesh Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo also attended the meeting.
Officials in Dhaka and Tokyo are now working to finalize the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan to take place soon.
Both sides recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic visit to Japan in 1973 which cemented the bilateral relations.
Japan highly appreciated the well planned and structured approach to development led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through her visions 2021 and 2041, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As part of building stronger bonds, Japan suggested partnership with Bangladesh in further developing the southern Chattogram area centering on the Matarbari Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI) project in the context of connectivity.
Also Read: Japan, UNHCR sign $4.5 million agreement to support Rohingyas in Bangladesh
Both sides agreed that these projects being built under Japan’s Big-B initiative have potentials to benefit not only Bangladesh but also the entire region.
Both sides discussed issues of bilateral relations in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture, especially ICT and high-tech industries, blue economy, health, human resource development, capacity development in maritime security, disaster management and defense cooperation.
By emphasizing to promote connectivity in the coming days, Foreign Secretary Masud appreciated the Japanese involvement in Bangladesh’s development projects including the Matharbari, Metro Rail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Japanese senior deputy minister appreciated Bangladesh’s growth in spite of the pandemic and global economic downturn.
The foreign secretary expressed his gratitude for COVID-related assistance extended by Japan including vaccine provision and direct budgetary support for the next couple of years.
Japanese senior deputy minister assured that Japan will continue to support in all development projects of Bangladesh related to connectivity.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the inauguration of the first phase of Bangladesh Special Economic Zone at Araihazar and Metro Rail.
Also Read: Japanese PM's special advisor for human rights issues visits Bangladesh
Bangladesh hopes that this economic zone will attract more Japanese investments since Bangladesh attaches high importance to the bilateral relations with Japan and will facilitate Japanese investors in this regard.
The foreign secretary also appraised Biman’s plan to resume its flights to Tokyo in the running year.
Japanese Deputy Minister Yamada welcomed the idea and stated that the proposed air-link would help greater people to people contact and promote businesses.
The FS stressed the urgency for early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their ancestral homes at the Rakhaine state of Myanmar.
The Japanese side stated that they would continue their assistance to Bangladesh in this regard.
The foreign secretary invited Japanese Senior Deputy Minister Yamada to visit Bangladesh for the next FOC in 2024.
14th National Japanese speech contest held in Dhaka
The 14th National Japanese speech contest was held at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka on Saturday.
At the final round of the contest, top 16 Japanese language learners impressed the audience and judges with their speaking skills.
The competition was co-organized by the Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB), the Japan Foundation, and the Embassy of Japan.
Also Read: Japan, UNHCR sign $4.5 million agreement to support Rohingyas in Bangladesh
Among the 16 final contestants, Tanzina Afroz for her speech “A Memorable Japanese Word”, in the advanced category, won the first prize.
Christina Miti Rozario delivered a speech on “The Prince on a Black Horse” and was awarded the first prize in the Beginner’s category.
This year’s contest was sponsored by Itochu Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Kaicom Solutions Japan, Mitsubishi Corporation, Nagasaki Restaurant, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., Saito Nenshi Bangladesh LTD., YKK Bangladesh Pte Ltd., as well as the Japan Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka.
Japan, other G-7 leaders step up Russia sanctions
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other Group of Seven leaders adopted a set of additional sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine at an online G-7 summit Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of the start of the invasion.
The leaders renewed their commitment to “intensifying our diplomatic, financial and military support for Ukraine, to increasing the costs to Russia and those supporting its war effort,” and countering the negative impact on the rest of the world, especially the most vulnerable people, they said in a statement, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
The G-7 countries also affirmed their coordinated action to “further counter Russia's capacity to wage its illegal aggression" and pledged to prevent Russia from obtaining military equipment and technology. They also called on other countries to stop providing military support to Russia.
Kishida, as this year’s G-7 president, also announced Japan will impose additional sanctions on Russia, including freezing the assets of some 120 individuals and organizations and banning the export of drones and other materials that can be used for military purposes.
“In order to absolutely not allow one-sided changes to the status quo, we must firmly carry out support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia to regain peace and international order based on the rule of law," Kishida told a news conference before hosting a teleconference with other G-7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“G-7 serves the core of the international commitment to do so," he said.
At the summit, Kishida planned to discuss the latest developments in the Russian war on Ukraine and how to support Ukraine's recovery and affirm G-7 solidarity for the war-torn country.
Kishida noted growing concern about China's potential transfer of lethal weapons to Russia, and said that Japan will cooperate with G-7 and other countries to send a “clear message” to third countries to stop supplying weapons to Russia.
Read more: Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine, UN and G7 condemn
Kishida also expressed “strong concern” about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement Tuesday that he was suspending Moscow's participation in an arms control treaty between Russia and the United States.
“Russia's nuclear threat is unacceptable, and use of nuclear weapons should never happen,” Kishida, whose electoral constituency is Hiroshima, said at the news conference. “As the world's only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, the 77-year history of non-nuclear weapons use should not be tarnished by Russia.”
As the world observed the one-year anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine, about 1,000 people protested Friday night in Tokyo's Hibiya Park, holding banners saying: “Russia, stop invading Ukraine." Outside of the United Nations' University in Tokyo, demonstrators held a candlelight vigil. And at Zenkoji temple in Nagano in central Japan, about 30 monks prayed for the lives lost in the war.
Top diplomats from Ukraine, the United States, Britain, Sweden, the EU, Lithuania and Sweden at a joint news conference in Tokyo called for solidarity for Ukraine and condemned Russia. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said Putin is wrong to accuse NATO of expanding eastward. He said the newest NATO members expanded west by their free will because the West has “a pull” of freedom, liberty and respect for individuals.
Also Friday, nuclear and security experts on a panel at the non-profit Sasakawa Peace Foundation released recommendations for the Kishida government to initiate discussions at the G-7 Hiroshima summit toward establishing a framework to protect nuclear facilities in conflict areas, in response to Russia's repeated attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
Due to its pacifist principles, Japan's support for Ukraine has been limited to non-combative military equipment such as helmets, bulletproof vests and drones, and humanitarian supplies including generators.
Kishida is the only G-7 leader who has not visited Ukraine. Pressure is mounting at home for Kishida to visit Kyiv before he hosts the G-7 summit in Hiroshima. Asked about a possible visit, Kishida said he is “considering” a visit, taking into consideration ways to ensure safety and secrecy, but nothing official has been decided.
Japan has joined the United States and European nations in sanctioning Russia over its invasion and providing humanitarian and economic support for Ukraine. Japan was quick to react because it fears the possible impact of a war in East Asia, where China’s military has grown increasingly assertive and has escalated tensions around self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.
Kishida at the online G-7 also explained Japan’s support for Ukraine. That includes a new $5.5 billion in financial aid, which Kishida unveiled Monday, bringing total Japanese support for Ukraine to more than $7 billion.
Read more: Home World USA Biden unveils new Ukraine weapons package, Russia sanctions
Japan has also accepted more than 2,000 displaced Ukrainians and helped them with housing assistance and support for jobs and education — a rare move for a country that is known for its strict immigration policy.
Japan, UNHCR sign $4.5 million agreement to support Rohingyas in Bangladesh
The government of Japan and UNHCR have signed an agreement for the protection and assistance of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The contribution of US$ 4.5 million [JPY 600 million] will be used for reinforcement of life-saving and life-sustaining services by improving the livelihood of refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char.
An exchange of notes was signed on Wednesday by Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Johannes van der Klaauw, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, said the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Also Read: Japanese PM's special advisor for human rights issues visits Bangladesh
"This new contribution from the government of Japan for some of UNHCR’s essential protection and assistance programs as well as livelihood activities in the camps in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char comes at a critical time now that we are facing a looming funding crisis already manifest in reduced refugee access to food”, said Johannes van der Klaauw, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.
He said Japan is once more at the forefront of supporting UNHCR programmes in Bangladesh. “We hope this contribution will also serve as a catalyst for other donors to follow suit”.
During his visit to Cox's Bazar last month, Ambassador Iwama said he was impressed by the use of information technology for the joint management of the registration for Rohingya refugees by the Government of Bangladesh and UNHCR.
“I was also delighted to witness strengthened livelihood assistance in collaboration with a Japanese company, where Rohingya women produce sanitary goods. We will continue to engage in the solution for a voluntary, safe and sustainable return , and will cooperate with UNHCR and other humanitarian partners to achieve better living conditions for refugees and host communities.” said H.E. Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh,” he said.
Also Read: Japan to provide grant aid for 2 projects
Ambassador Iwama expressed his hope that the support from the government of Japan would improve living conditions of both Rohingya and local communities.
“Also, I was profoundly touched by the tireless activities of the Government of Bangladesh, the UN agencies, and NGOs. I recognized the need for continuous support for them, and we will commit to that,” he said.
Since the large influx in August 2017, Japan has contributed over US$ 204 million to various interventions in Cox's Bazar as well as in Bhasan Char through international organizations and NGOs.
This assistance includes food assistance, healthcare, WASH, shelter, protection, and gender.
Japan to provide grant aid for 2 projects
Bangladesh and Japan on Monday signed the exchange of notes on the Japanese grant Aad for two projects.
Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh and Sharifa Khan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, signed the documents representing the respective governments.
One is to provide the grant for the “Project for Improvement of Equipment for Technical Education” - up to JPY 997million, approximately USD7.7 million.
Another is to provide an additional grant for the costs of the development of Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management(BIGM), the augmented grant of which is up to JPY2,762 million, about USD 21 million.
Read more: Languages essential tools to communicate, share knowledge: UN expert
“It gives me pleasure to sign both of these 2 projects, which are important supports for Bangladesh to develop world-class human resources. In this regard, these are particularly essential toward graduation from the least developed countries (LDC) status in 2026 and to become a developed country in 2041," said Ambassador Iwama.
The grant for the “Project for Improvement of Equipment for Technical Education” is to provide training equipment in the field of electrical, electronic, mechanical and computer to Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, Dhaka Mohila Polytechnic Institute, and Technical Teachers Training College.
This supports human resource development with a scientific and mathematical background and engineering skills, with a view to shifting the industrial structure in order to ensure competitiveness in the international market.
The additional grant for BIGM is to construct new facilities and to procure equipment for the training of senior administrative officials and for policy research at BIGM, for which additional cost is incurred due to the price escalation affected by difficult global conditions.
In order to promote sustainable development of Bangladesh in the future, it is essential to strengthen the policy formulation and execution capacity of senior administrative officials.
BIGM is a higher education and research institute, and offers master's programs in the public sector to people from diverse backgrounds, including the private sector as well as the public officials.
Palak urges Japanese IT entrepreneurs to invest more in Bangladesh
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak has urged Japanese IT entrepreneurs to invest more in Bangladesh, taking the opportunity of the country's "competitive strengths and policy incentives."
He was speaking at the webinar "Investment Opportunities in Hi-Tech Parks in Bangladesh" hosted by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, and the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) hosted Thursday.
More than 100 Japanese companies attended the event.
Palak said Japan could be a very good market for the local IT and ITES industry in the coming years.
Bangladesh has a huge potential in hardware manufacturing too, as nationwide infrastructures are being built to support heavy manufacturing as well as technology manufacturing, he added.
"Bangladesh offers cost-effective solutions for technology and services, making it an attractive destination for international companies looking to outsource or establish a presence in the region. It has a young and educated population that is eager to adopt and use technology, creating a large potential market for ICT services and products," Palak said.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed said: "Japan is a very potential country for Bangladesh in terms of trade, business, investment and bringing skilled human resources. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan will provide all possible support to Japanese investors in starting and expanding business in Bangladesh."
Khandoker Azizul Islam, managing director of the BHTPA, said the BHTPA is committed to providing necessary services to investors in hi-tech parks through its one-stop services, various incentives such as exemption of taxes and duties are also available for investors.
Yuji Ando, country representative of JETRO Dhaka, said Japanese companies consider Bangladesh a promising country for business. "According to the latest JETRO survey, 71.6 percent of Japanese companies want to expand their business in Bangladesh."
Read more: Japan wants to invest more in Bangladesh: Ambassador
Japan wants to invest more in Bangladesh: Ambassador
Newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Kiminori Iwama, today said that he will encourage Japanese companies to expand their business in Bangladesh to help the country achieve expected economic growth.
“Japan wants to be more involved in Bangladesh’s national development,” said the ambassador in a meeting with Local Government and Rural Development Minister Tajul Islam on Wednesday.
The ambassador expressed interest in investing in Chattogram municipality’s drainage system.
“A number of Japanese companies are interested in investing here,” he said.
Also Read: Japan, IOM sign $5.7 million assistance to Rohingyas, host communities in Bangladesh
Stating that there’s a similarity between Narayanganj city and Japan’s Naruto city, he said, “There can be a city-to-city partnership agreement that will benefit both the cities."
The ambassador also said Japan wants more skilled labor from Bangladesh.
He noted that Japan will increase investment in the special economic zone at Araihazar if infrastructure and other facilities are increased.
The relations between the two countries will be strengthened more by investing in large projects like the Matarbari power plant, said the ambassador.
Tajul Islam stressed the exchange of assistance in the information and technology and cultural sectors.
Also Read: Japan wants to invest in sugar industry, biomass power, prepaid gas meters in Bangladesh
They talked about a number of ongoing projects in Bangladesh that are being supported by Japan.
They both emphasized strengthening cooperation in development work.
Japan wants to invest in sugar industry, biomass power, prepaid gas meters in Bangladesh
Japan wants to invest in several sectors of Bangladesh, including the sugar industry, biomass power generation, and prepaid gas meter industry.
Governor of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Nobumitsu Hayashi expressed the interest when he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.
PM’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
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Hayashi said JBIC is keen to provide loans to Japanese entrepreneurs for making investments in these particular sectors in Bangladesh.
PM Hasina appreciated the offer – saying that one or two out of the country’s 15 sugar mills can be made available to Japanese investors.
She said a prepaid gas meter factory can be built under a joint venture.
The prime minister said Japan is a trusted partner of Bangladesh, adding that the people of Japan have been standing by Bangladesh since the Liberation War in 1971.
“I am extending gratitude to Japan on behalf of Bangladeshi people, as Japan is still extending cooperation to us,” she said.
Read more: PM launches operation of 3 newly built rail lines on Rooppur, Shasidal and Joydebpur routes
In this connection, she said that Bangladesh is implementing several mega-projects with Japanese support, which include Matarbari deep seaport, Matarbari coal-fired power plant, Third Terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangabandhu Rail Bridge over the Jamuna river and Dhaka Metro Rail project.
She hoped, “The existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan will be strengthened further in future.”
The JBIC governor described Japan as Bangladesh’s development partner and vowed to contribute more to the country’s development journey. Senior Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori were present at the meeting.
Japan's cooperation sought in power, energy sectors
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has sought cooperation from Japan to implement Bangladesh's integrated energy and power master plan.
"Japan can help prepare and implement a smart and detailed master plan which will take forward other sectors from behind,” he told Iwama Kiminori, the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, while making a courtesy call on him at the power and energy ministry on Tuesday.
The state minister said that a smart power and energy master plan is needed for a smart Bangladesh.
Welcoming the newly appointed ambassador of Japan, he said Bangladesh will require $30 billion in investment in the next 5 years to implement the projects to be undertaken under the master plan.
He floated an idea that a joint operation and maintenance company could be formed which could save both money and time for Bangladesh.
"JICA can support Bangladesh Power Management Institute to make it an international standard institution," he added.
During the meeting they discussed various issues related to mutual interest.
Progress of different projects in the power and energy sector including Matarbari Power Hub, underground cables and sub-stations, prepaid meters, smart meters, gas meters and upcoming projects also came up for discussion.
The ambassador thanked the State Minister for 100 percent electrification and said that Japan will always cooperate in the development activities of Bangladesh.
He said Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will work on capacity building for human resource development in Bangladesh.
Iwama Kiminori said that many more small and large Japanese companies are showing interest in coming to Bangladesh after witnessing the success of the Japanese company ONUDA in manufacturing gas meters.
He also said that the concept of 'Smart Bangladesh' will transform Bangladesh into a developed Bangladesh by 2041.
BGMEA eyes expanding RMG exports to Japan
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said the country's apparel industry has continued its efforts to explore new and promising markets like Japan and seize every available opportunity.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said: "We have been carrying out apparel diplomacy and trade missions to find new opportunities for Bangladesh's RMG industry and realise untapped potential."
Faruque made the observations while exchanging views with Hajime Suzuki, chief director of International Sales and Marketing at RX Japan, in Dhaka Monday (January 23, 2023). Kurena Watabe of RX Japan was also present.
Read: RMG manufacturer CKDL partners with Singapore firm to ensure workers' financial wellness
RX Japan is a leading exhibition organiser in Japan.
The two sides discussed possible collaboration between BGMEA and RX Japan to initiate trade communication between businessmen in Bangladesh and Japan, particularly those involved in the fashion industry.
Bangladeshi businessmen would be able to showcase strengths and capabilities by participating in apparel exhibitions in Japan while Japanese buyers and investors would get the opportunity to explore their trade potential in Bangladesh, they said.
Read more: BGMEA, Jetro want to expand Japan-Bangladesh trade