Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called upon Japanese business conglomerates and industrial leaders to invest in five core priority sectors in Bangladesh—Automotive Manufacturing, Energy, Technology & Space Research, Rail & Logistics, and Agro-Processing.
Delivering the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum Dialogue held at the JETRO Hall in Tokyo on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Prime Minister urged investors to transform the five-decade-long diplomatic relationship into a robust trade and economic partnership. He highlighted that while nearly 350 Japanese companies operate in Bangladesh, Japan's direct foreign investment (FDI) remains under $500 million. Recalling that Japan was among the first nations to recognize Bangladesh in February 1972, he paid tribute to his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, and mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, for laying the foundation of strong bilateral ties.
Emphasizing the landmark Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between both nations—Bangladesh’s first comprehensive trade pact—the Prime Minister revealed that 7,379 Bangladeshi products now enjoy duty-free access to Japan. He highlighted Bangladesh's market of 180 million people, a median age of 27, and projections positioning the country among the world's top 10 consumer economies by 2030. In the automotive sector, he welcomed Toyota’s plan to establish a full-scale vehicle manufacturing plant in Bangladesh by 2029. Additionally, PM Tarique Rahman unveiled plans for a Bangladesh-Japan Technology Park focusing on AI and robotics, space technology collaboration, nationwide high-speed rail development connecting major divisions, and expanding investments in the Araihazar Special Economic Zone developed by Sumitomo Corporation.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
