Bangladesh, Japan explore alternative financing to deepen economic ties

Bangladesh and Japan have discussed ways to strengthen economic ties, with a particular focus on expanding cooperation through alternative financing mechanisms beyond foreign direct investment (FDI).

The discussions took place during a meeting between Bangladesh’s Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs Atsushi Mimura in Tokyo on Friday.

The meeting was held at the Japanese finance minister’s office, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s finance ministry.

During the meeting, both sides recalled the longstanding economic ties between the two countries and discussed ways to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.

Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation through alternative financing mechanisms, alongside infrastructure development and trade expansion in Bangladesh.

Both sides agreed to take steps to further strengthen existing economic relations and explore opportunities to work together in new sectors, the press release said.

Tanvir Shahriar Ghani, special assistant to the prime minister for investment and capital market affairs, and senior officials from both countries attended the meeting.

Japan is one of Bangladesh’s major development partners and has financed numerous infrastructure and social development projects in the country. Several Japanese-funded projects are currently under implementation.