TOKYO — Bangladesh and Japan have discussed a proposed 1 trillion Japanese yen (approximately US$6.3 billion) in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. The proposal was discussed during a bilateral summit between Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Kantei, the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, at 11:30 a.m. local time, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin told the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
The two leaders also discussed sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to accelerate progress on the proposed investment plan. The summit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, technology, space research, infrastructure development and regional and international affairs.
During the meeting, Tarique Rahman urged the Japanese government and private sector to take a more active role in Bangladesh’s economic development, industrialization and technological advancement.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s growth potential, the prime minister said the country aspired to become a major hub for economic activity, technology and manufacturing. He noted that Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, while its gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed US$1 trillion by 2034.
Emphasizing the importance of reliable and affordable energy supplies, Tarique Rahman called for greater Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors. He thanked Japan for its longstanding support for Bangladesh’s energy security, including a recent 50 billion yen emergency assistance loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative.
The prime minister also proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled technology professionals. The proposed facility would prioritize artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing to promote innovation, technology transfer and skilled employment. Tarique Rahman further expressed interest in expanding cooperation in space science, satellite engineering and related advanced technologies, drawing on Japan’s expertise in these fields.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s infrastructure development ambitions, the prime minister outlined plans for a high-speed railway network connecting six major divisional cities and the construction of elevated roads across the country. He sought Japanese technical assistance, investment and financing to plan and implement these large-scale infrastructure projects.
Tarique Rahman also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the investment climate through reforms to regulatory systems, tax policies, customs clearance and fund-transfer procedures. He expressed hope that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in February 2026, would be implemented promptly.
To strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, he proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas, accelerate implementation and turn investment opportunities into concrete initiatives. He also emphasized closer engagement between the business communities of both countries.
Recalling the longstanding friendship between the two countries, Tarique Rahman said Japan held a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. Japan was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and has remained one of its key development partners. He described the relationship as one built on mutual respect, trust and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and stability.
The Bangladeshi prime minister invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Following the summit, the two leaders made a joint press announcement outlining the outcomes of their discussions and exchanged several memorandums of understanding in key areas. Takaichi also hosted an official luncheon in honour of Tarique Rahman at the Kantei.
Tarique Rahman arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit at Takaichi’s invitation. During his visit, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.
