Yunus heads to Japan, seeks $1b budgetary support
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, is set to embark on a four-day official visit to Japan from 28-31 May to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum, where Bangladesh is expected to seek $1 billion in budgetary support from the Japanese government.
In addition to financial assistance, the visit is anticipated to result in the signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), enhancing cooperation in areas including investment, energy, infrastructure, and technology.
Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddiqui announced the developments during a press briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. He confirmed that Japan has agreed in principle to provide a portion of the requested sum as a soft loan, with the final amount to be determined following formal discussions during the visit.
“These MoUs will significantly deepen bilateral relations and expand strategic cooperation,” Siddiqui stated, noting Japan’s longstanding interest in supporting Bangladesh’s development priorities.
During the visit, Dr Yunus is scheduled to meet with key Japanese figures, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and high-level officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Talks will focus on trade, investment, and infrastructure development, with particular attention to projects such as the Joydebpur-Ishwardi dual-gauge rail upgrade.
Dr Yunus is expected to depart Dhaka at 2:10am on 28 May via Cathay Pacific, transiting through Hong Kong before arriving at Narita International Airport at 2:30pm local time. He will be received by Japan’s Chief of Protocol, senior Japanese government officials, and Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan.
On 29 May, prior to the opening of the Nikkei Forum, senior Nikkei officials will pay a courtesy call on Dr Yunus. At the Forum, he will deliver a keynote address during the opening plenary session on the theme “Asia’s Challenge in a Turbulent World”, underscoring the importance of global cooperation for a better future.
Distinguished speakers at the Forum include the Presidents of Laos and Palau, the Prime Ministers of Japan and Cambodia, Deputy Prime Ministers from Vietnam and Singapore, as well as other high-level policymakers, researchers, and representatives of international organisations.
On 30 May, a bilateral meeting will be held between the delegations of Bangladesh and Japan, led respectively by Dr Yunus and Prime Minister Ishiba. Discussions will cover a broad range of strategic issues including trade and investment, agriculture, human resource development, and the Rohingya crisis.
Later that day, Dr Yunus will meet with JETRO President Kimura Fukunari to explore avenues for expanding bilateral trade and investment. He will then attend a roundtable discussion aimed at informing Japanese investors about Bangladesh’s business-friendly environment, followed by participation in the “Bangladesh Business Seminar.”
In recognition of his contributions, Soka University in Japan will confer an honorary degree upon the Chief Adviser, who will also address the ceremony.
Dr Yunus is scheduled to give exclusive interviews to Asahi Shimbun and NHK during his visit.
On the morning of 31 May, the Chief Adviser will depart Tokyo for Dhaka via Singapore and is expected to arrive later that night.
Regarding manpower cooperation, Siddiqui noted that Japan is actively recruiting foreign workers and already has an understanding with Bangladesh. To strengthen this, Bangladesh’s Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will sign MoUs with two Japanese private companies, which will work in Bangladesh to provide Japanese language instruction and specialised skills training.
On this issue, Nur-e-Alam, Director General of the East Asia and Pacific Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioned that Japan is interested in recruiting workers in a total of 16 sectors and will provide language and specific training for them. These sectors include caregiving, hospitality, and others.