Bangladesh taking initiative to fill Japan’s shortage of 10 million workers

Bangladesh is going to take all necessary measures to meet the potential shortage of 11 million workers in Japan by 2040. To this end, integrated initiatives have been taken at government and private levels to send skilled workers to the country’s labour market.

A seminar and matching event titled “Bangladesh, a highly potential source of skilled human resources for Japan” was organised by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan.

According to a press release received in Dhaka on Friday, November 7, the event was organised with the support of the Bangladesh Embassy and the Japan International Trainee and Skilled Worker Cooperation Organisation JITCO.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr Neamot Ullah Bhuiyan attended the event as the chief guest.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Dawood Ali, in his welcome speech, assured full cooperation from the Embassy in sending skilled manpower to Japan.

Around 250 manpower export companies and Japanese recruiting organisations participated in the seminar.

Dr Neamot Ullah Bhuiyan said that by 2040, Japan will need about 11 million foreign workers.
On the other hand, Bangladesh currently has an additional 25 million working-age people, which will continue for the next two decades.
This large human resource of Bangladesh can play a major role in meeting the labour market shortage in Japan.

He said that 33 Technical Training Centres TTC have been designated in the country to prepare workers according to the demand of the Japanese labour market; if necessary, this number will be further increased.

In addition, a “Japan Cell” is being set up in the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, which will work as a centre for coordination and communication for the Japanese labour market.

Dr Bhuiyan also said that trained and skilled workers of Bangladesh have already earned a good reputation in the international labour market.
The government is taking various initiatives to increase skills in the Japanese language, culture and work standards.

He expressed hope that mutual cooperation between the recruiting institutions of the two countries will be beneficial for both nations.

In the seminar, JITCO Senior Vice President Shigeo Matsutomi presented a presentation on the demand of the international labour market and the employment opportunities in Japan.

After the event, four memorandums of understanding and agreements were signed between Bangladeshi manpower-sending organisations and Japanese recruiting companies.