Bilateral trade with Japan hits $4b

Staff Reporter :

Japan’s leading investors have assured an increase in investments in Bangladesh following a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser, Sk Bashir Uddin, in Tokyo on Monday.

During the meeting, representatives from prominent Japanese business groups, including Nexi (Nippon), Mitsui, Marubeni, HSBC, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and JT, discussed strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

Japan, a key strategic partner, plays a vital role in Bangladesh’s economy, and both countries are committed to enhancing trade, investment, and workforce collaboration.

Sk Bashir Uddin urged Japanese investors to expand their presence in Bangladesh. Highlighting the growing economic relationship, he noted that bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $4 billion. Japan is one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations, and more than 350 Japanese companies are operating in the country.

“Japan is an extremely important strategic partner for Bangladesh. We take great pride in our relationship, as Japan remains one of our closest friends and a major development partner,” said Sk Bashir Uddin.

He also encouraged the Japanese delegation to consider importing more products from Bangladesh and to hire skilled Bangladeshi workers to enhance economic collaboration.
In response, the representatives from Japan’s leading business groups assured their continued engagement and committed to increasing investments in Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan, Md Daud Ali, Jetro representative Iuji Ando, Jica representative Yasuyuki Murahashi, and Bangladesh’s Commercial Counsellor in Japan, Morarji Desai Barman.

Later, Sk Bashir Uddin also held discussions with Miki Watanabe, Chairman of Watami Group, to further explore avenues for economic cooperation.