PM seeks Japan's cooperation in skilled manpower, investment

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought more active cooperation from Japan in human resource development, skills enhancement and investment. He also called on Japan to take initiatives to recruit Bangladeshi health workers, agricultural labourers and drivers trained in the Japanese language.

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Japan's Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Uno Yoshimasa, at the Prime Minister's Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday (July 28). The Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shadad Swadhin confirmed the matter.

The meeting discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

The Prime Minister called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh. He said if Japan is interested in establishing another industrial park like the Japanese Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj, the government would provide all necessary cooperation. He also stressed the need for joint efforts to further expand trade and economic ties.

Discussions also covered the inauguration of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16, the progress of the ongoing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, and cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure development.

From the Bangladesh side, the meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid, and Special Assistant for Foreign Employment for Asia-Pacific Affairs Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan.

From the Japanese side, attendees included International Aviation Assistant Vice Minister Nakayama Ryeko of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, officials from Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi.