NN Online:
The government remains firmly committed to transparency and structural reform to create a stable, investor-friendly environment in Bangladesh, said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of both the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEZA).
“We understand the challenges investors face, and we are fully committed to addressing them through transparency and reform. However, progress demands sustained engagement from the business community,” he stated at a high-level economic briefing held in Dhaka.
The event, which highlighted the strategic significance of the Japan-Bangladesh economic corridor, was jointly organised by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Standard Chartered Bangladesh.
Senior representatives from BIDA, Standard Chartered, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), JETRO, the Japanese Embassy, and prominent business leaders and investors from both countries attended the event.
As global trade dynamics shift, interest in South Asia has intensified. The forum reflected growing investor confidence in Bangladesh’s economic prospects and reaffirmed the public and private sectors’ shared commitment to unlocking new investment opportunities.
From macroeconomic stability to bold policy reforms, leaders from both nations expressed optimism and a collective vision for deepening economic ties. With over 300 Japanese companies already operating in Bangladesh, discussions focused on scaling up cooperation with an emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi reiterated Japan’s long-standing commitment to Bangladesh, emphasizing continued investment in vital infrastructure. “Our ongoing Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations reflect our mutual ambition. New opportunities are emerging across sectors like agro-business, fisheries, automotive, and textiles,” he noted.
JETRO Country Representative Yuji Ando echoed this optimism, stating that Japanese firms, despite global uncertainties, are eager to expand their footprint in Bangladesh—an indication of strong, long-term commitment.
JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide acknowledged the strides made in improving the investment landscape but stressed that further work remains. “JICA is actively collaborating with JETRO and other partners on strategic initiatives—from transformative infrastructure like the Matarbari deep-sea port and MRT lines to simplifying investment procedures,” he said.
Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy highlighted Japan’s unwavering friendship with Bangladesh since independence. “Our partnership goes beyond policy—it is built on deep people-to-people ties. With visible improvements in key economic indicators, Bangladesh is on track to become a trillion-dollar economy within the next five years, provided the right reforms are implemented,” he asserted.
Standard Chartered Japan CEO Yusuke Asai reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to the Japan-Bangladesh economic corridor. “Despite global headwinds, our commitment and the enduring friendship between our nations remain unchanged. With over 300 Japanese firms already operating here, now is the time to deepen our investment and support Bangladesh’s growth story,” he said.
The event concluded with renewed pledges from both countries to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate efforts toward economic resilience and sustainable development.
