Japanese agriculture minister meets PM Tarique Rahman

A high-level Japanese delegation led by Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister and Special Envoy Suzuki Norikazu held a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office in the National Parliament building on Wednesday afternoon, April 29.

The Japanese minister congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on assuming office on behalf of the Japanese government and expressed hope for taking Bangladesh-Japan relations to new heights.

During the meeting, Suzuki stressed the need to effectively advance the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries. He also expressed Japan's interest in increasing exports of Japanese food products to Bangladesh and expanding cooperation in agriculture and technology sectors.

The Japanese delegation emphasised the swift and smooth completion of major projects being implemented with Japanese support, including the Matarbari deep seaport, the metro rail project, and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The prime minister assured continued cooperation in this regard.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said one of the current government's top priorities is creating employment opportunities for young people. He called for increased Japanese investment in the agriculture, electronics and automobile sectors.

The prime minister also expressed interest in exporting Bangladeshi manpower to Japan, particularly skilled workers in healthcare and agriculture. The Japanese delegation responded positively to these proposals.

On the Rohingya crisis, the Japanese delegation said Japan is providing 17.5 million US dollars in assistance to help address the situation. The prime minister emphasised the need for the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar.

The Japanese side also invited the prime minister to visit Japan. Tarique Rahman expressed hope of making an official visit at a mutually convenient time.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister's Agriculture and Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi were present at the meeting.

Later, Suzuki witnessed the parliamentary session, where Members of Parliament welcomed him and his delegation by thumping their desks.