As reported by this daily on Thursday about 72 percent of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh are willing to expand their business in one or two years while around 61.8 percent of Japanese companies in Bangladesh expect their profits to go up in 2023, unveiled a survey of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) on Wednesday. Reportedly, Bangladesh is at the top position in terms of expanding business among the countries in Asia and Oceania regions where Japanese companies are operating.
It is encouraging to note that Japanese entrepreneurs are demonstrating more enthusiasm about business and investment opportunities in Bangladesh. We believe our time-tested friend Japan and its people will be with us on our transformative journey to development and prosperity. We hope that in our efforts to cross the threshold from a developing to a developed country, we will have Japan by our side as facilitator in the manner that they have been so far.
We envisage that the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Japan would be enhanced further. Also, we appreciate Japan’s support in implementing our mega projects such as Matarbari deep sea port, third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Dhaka Metro Rail.
It is encouraging to note that
Japanese entrepreneurs are
demonstrating more enthusiasm
about business and investment
opportunities in Bangladesh
Japan is one of the most powerful industrialized nations in the world. The country not only took part in our independence movement but also at the post independent time of Bangladesh. The role Japan has played in Bangladesh’s nation building strategy is a concrete instance of selfless friendship. The friendship that Japan and Bangladesh has been enjoying over the last four decades is rare in today’s world.
Friendship between the two countries was tested in the terror attack in Dhaka in July 2016, which led to the tragic death of seven Japanese nationals. It was during that moment of national anguish and mourning that yet again, the Japanese people and government stood by us and reassured us of Japan’s continued support to Bangladesh’s development.
The relationship between Dhaka and Tokyo is going from strength to strength. The latter is likely to continue to play a crucial role as the single largest bilateral donor and a trusted friend and development partner. It is essential that Tokyo remains actively engaged with Bangladesh in its journey to become a developed nation.
However, we need to gear up efforts and devise necessary initiatives to attract more foreign countries to expand business operations in Bangladesh. Following the other Asian countries which have been able to attract massive foreign investments, Bangladesh should devise necessary measures to develop more infrastructures, build more skilled workforce, improve connectivity and encourage high-tech for a sustainable economic growth.