DHAKA, Feb 20, 2025 (BSS) - A high-level delegation from Bangladesh, led by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), met with top Japanese companies and business groups in Osaka to build stronger trade and investment ties. 

This effort is part of Bangladesh's plan to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and expand its international trade network, said a press release. 

The delegation also included the BIDA Director General, Head of Business Development, representatives from Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Commercial Counsellor from the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo.

The team met with Shoji Uehara, Executive Officer of Daikin Industries Ltd., a world leader in air conditioning, automotive products, and semiconductors. 

Daikin showed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh's growing industrial and technology sectors. 

They also spoke with Masahiro Imai, Ambassador and Senior Vice President of ITOCHU Corporation, a major Japanese company involved in textiles, machinery, metals, and food. 

ITOCHU expressed its intent to increase sourcing and explore new investment opportunities in Bangladesh's textile and manufacturing industries.

In another meeting with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) led by Moishima Hiromitsu and representatives from various industries such as electronics, metals, manufacturing, textiles, and IT, discussed knowledge-sharing and ways to support easier trade between the two countries.

At the end of the meetings, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun highlighted the reforms Bangladesh is making to create a more business-friendly environment.

He said, "We are committed to strengthening our economic ties with Japan and are eager to welcome more Japanese businesses to invest in Bangladesh." 

These meetings mark an important step in improving Bangladesh-Japan economic cooperation and opening doors for new investments and stronger trade partnerships.