The 6th Bangladesh-Japan Public-Private Joint Economic Dialogue held today in Tokyo. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 23, 2025 (BSS) – Japanese Vice-Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Matsuo Takehiko while referring to a survey said that more than 60 percent of the Japanese companies are considering to expand their business in Bangladesh.  

He said that his government is ready to facilitate enhancing Japanese investment in Bangladesh through public private partnership.

The Vice-Minister was speaking at the 6th Bangladesh-Japan Public-Private Joint Economic Dialogue held today at the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry ministry in Tokyo, according to a message received here today.

The Bangladesh delegation, comprising senior government officials and private sector representatives, was led by Principal Secretary to the Chief Advisor M. Siraz Uddin Miah.  

Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md. Daud Ali and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi also attended the event.

The dialogue provided a platform for continued open and constructive engagement between stakeholders from both countries. 
The discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation, with particular attention to connectivity, the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), logistics, energy transition, agriculture, and the simplification of tax and customs procedures.

At the dialogue, Bangladesh highlighted its investment potential and ongoing reform initiatives aimed at fostering a more business-friendly environment. 

The Japanese side was updated on the progress made in response to earlier feedback from Japanese investors.

The Japanese delegation conveyed their private sector’s strong satisfaction with Bangladesh’s improving business climate, noting that the number of Japanese companies in the country has tripled over the past decade. 

This reflects increased investor confidence and strong interest in business expansion.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic ties and expressed the hope for concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of this year. 

Bangladesh reiterated its full support to facilitate Japanese investment and emphasized its willingness to work closely with Japanese stakeholders. 

The Japanese side welcomed the ongoing reforms and expressed optimism that the current momentum would continue.

Principal Secretary Miah assured that the Bangladesh government will continue working to address the key challenges, as raised in the discussion. 

He highlighted reform and automation efforts to ensure a more investor-friendly environment and underscored the importance of concluding the EPA before Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

The dialogue, held in a hybrid format, was attended by senior officials from both governments and prominent business leaders. 

From Bangladesh, participants included representatives from the chief advisor’s Office, National Board of Revenue, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Bank and FBCCI.

From the Japanese side, participants included among others the Chairman of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Co-operation of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Japanese foreign ministry and other ministries officials as well as heads of the JICA and JETRO offices in Bangladesh and representatives from the Japanese private sector.