A high-level delegation from Japan’s leading trading and investment company Marubeni Corporation met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday, with discussions focusing on expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fertiliser and energy sectors.
The meeting expressed optimism that the implementation of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan would further strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The delegation, led by Marubeni Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Masayuki Omoto, met the prime minister at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
During the meeting, Tarique Rahman said the government was working to create a favourable investment climate for both domestic and foreign investors to harness the country’s economic potential and generate new employment opportunities.
He welcomed Marubeni’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s IT, fertiliser and energy sectors.
The prime minister also highlighted the company’s longstanding business relationship with Bangladesh in jute products, stressing the need to expand existing cooperation and explore opportunities in new sectors.
Marubeni representatives said they were seriously considering Bangladesh’s investment potential.
The meeting discussed the growing potential of Bangladesh’s IT sector and the development of a skilled workforce. The government’s plans to enhance the expertise of engineering graduates in information technology and cybersecurity also featured in the discussions.
The participants noted that Bangladesh could emerge as an important international service hub by leveraging its skilled workforce, technological capabilities and competitive service offerings.
Plans to launch an artificial intelligence-based data centre in Bangladesh within the next 12 months were also discussed, with particular attention to Marubeni’s interest and the prospects for investment in the sector.
Given Bangladesh’s agriculture-dependent economy, both sides discussed opportunities to expand the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence in agriculture, including the potential for greater investment and technological cooperation from Marubeni.
The meeting also explored opportunities to expand Marubeni’s existing investment in Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO), a major fertiliser producer in Bangladesh.
The possibility of establishing a second fertiliser plant similar to KAFCO in the country was also discussed, with Marubeni expressing interest in the proposal.
The participants emphasised that expanded Japanese investment and technological cooperation in these sectors could create new opportunities for employment, skills development and industrialisation in Bangladesh.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan attended the meeting.
Representing Marubeni were Susumu Wakamori, the company’s chief executive officer for Southwest Asia, and Manabu Sugawara, its country head in Bangladesh.
Financial Mirror/AH
