DHAKA, June 9, 2024 (BSS) - A four member delegation of Bangladesh, headed by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), attended 'Japanese ODA Loan Operation Program' during June 3-7, 2024 at Tokyo, Japan. 
 
During the visit, the delegation met Hara Shohei, Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and discussed about ongoing JICA assisted projects and future cooperation of JICA in Bangladesh. 
 
The delegation also met Kusakabe Hideki, Deputy Assistant Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tsuchiya Akihiro, Deputy Director General of Ministry of Finance and Uehara Atsushi, Vice Minister of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan, said an ERD press release. 
 
During the meetings, the head of delegation, Secretary, ERD requested the Japanese side to increase the yearly threshold of ODA from 300 billion Japanese yen (JPY) to 450 billion JPY. 
 
He also requested for support to develop 1,00,000 AI-Engineers for next five years, cooperation for smart city development, development of the ship recycling industry, electric vehicle production, investment in high-tech park, assistance for food processing with compliance and additional financing for climate resilience projects.
 
The ERD Secretary also requested the Japanese side to enhance cooperation in the jute, leather and tourism sector and expand the possible assistance to achieve the country's target to become a developed country by 2041.
 
The Japanese side mentioned that at present, Bangladesh is the 2nd largest ODA recipient country and assured to continue their possible support to Bangladesh for sustainable growth. 
 
The delegation also attended a seminar titled "Japan-Bangladesh Economic Cooperation: Further Enhancing the Business Prospects and Opportunities" arranged by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo and JICA headquarters.
 
Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed, Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo, Hara Shohei, Senior Vice President of JICA, representatives from different ministries/agencies of Japan and many Japanese companies attended the seminar physically and virtually. 
 
The ERD gave a presentation on macroeconomic situation, business environment and investment opportunities in Bangladesh and JICA presented the status of on-going JICA assisted projects in Bangladesh and highlighted on future areas of interest and possible cooperation.
 
In the seminar, the ERD Secretary highly appreciated Japanese cooperation and requested Japanese Investors to take the opportunity of facilities offered by the government of Bangladesh to invest in the sectors of their interest. 
 
Japan is the single largest bi-lateral development partner of Bangladesh.
 
Shahriar expressed that the relationship between the two countries now elevated to 'Strategic Partnership' after the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan in 2023. 
 
He concluded thanking the Japanese people and government for being trusted partner and invited Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh and be a partner of Bangladesh's journey towards a developed country.