PM visits JERA’s LNG terminal, power plant in Japan

TOKYO – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today visited JERA’s onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and power plant in Futtsu city of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, as part of his visit to the country. The Prime Minister visited the facilities at 2:30 pm local time today, said his Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, among others, accompanied the premier.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other senior officials were also present. Earlier the day, the Prime Minister and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi held a bilateral summit at the Japanese Prime Minister’s office known as Kantei, to strengthen the two countries’ strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation in key sectors.

The talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in energy, information and communication technology (ICT), railways and infrastructure, deep-sea ports and foreign direct investment, alongside regional and international issues.

Following the summit talks, the two leaders made a joint press announcement on the outcomes of their discussions and exchanged several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in key areas. Takaichi later hosted an official luncheon in honour of Tarique Rahman at the Kantei.

Earlier, Takaichi welcomed the Bangladesh premier upon his arrival at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, where he was accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of Japan’s armed forces, accompanied by the national anthems of the two countries. During the visit, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.

The prime minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday at the invitation of Takaichi. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone. On the first day of the visit, he held separate meetings with a high-level Japanese parliamentary delegation led by former prime minister Taro Aso, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Akihiko Tanaka.

The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade and investment, infrastructure development, energy security, advanced manufacturing and skills development. This is Tarique Rahman’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China and travelled to New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.




PM visits Nittsu logistics hub in Japan

TOKYO – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today visited the Nittsu logistics hub located in Ichikawa city of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, as part of his four-day official visit to the country. He visited the facility at 4:45pm (local time), accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

The delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were also part of the delegation. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other senior officials were also present.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited JERA’s onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and power plant in Futtsu city of Chiba Prefecture. The visits came after the Bangladesh Premier and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi held a bilateral summit at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, Kantei, where they discussed expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, ICT, trade and investment.

The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday at the invitation of Takaichi for a four-day official visit. During the visit, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.

On the first day of the visit, he held separate meetings with a high-level Japanese parliamentary delegation led by former prime minister Taro Aso, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Akihiko Tanaka. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade and investment, infrastructure development, energy security, advanced manufacturing and skills development.

This is Tarique Rahman’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China and travelled to New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

 




Bangladesh, Japan Vow Stronger Economic Cooperation

TOKYO — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have emphasized stronger bilateral cooperation in energy security, advanced technology, infrastructure development, trade and investment, with a proposal to establish a joint ministerial commission to accelerate collaboration in priority sectors. The two leaders held a bilateral summit at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, where Tarique Rahman urged the Japanese government and private sector to play a more active role in Bangladesh’s economic development, industrialization and technological advancement.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s economic potential, the prime minister said the country was working to establish itself as a regional hub for manufacturing, technology and economic activity.

“By 2030, Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy, and by 2034, our GDP could exceed US$1 trillion,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable and affordable energy supplies, Tarique Rahman thanked Japan for its longstanding support and highlighted a recent 50 billion Japanese yen emergency assistance loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative. He called for greater Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.

To accelerate technology-driven development, the prime minister proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park that would connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled technology professionals.

The proposed facility could prioritize artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing, creating opportunities for technology transfer, innovation and skilled employment. Tarique Rahman also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies, drawing on Japan’s advanced capabilities.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s plans to modernize its transport infrastructure, the prime minister outlined proposals for a high-speed railway network connecting the country’s six major divisional cities and a nationwide elevated-road network.

He sought Japanese technical assistance, investment and financing for planning and implementing the projects, noting that Japan’s experience in modern transportation and infrastructure development could help Bangladesh achieve its development goals.

Tarique Rahman also pledged to improve the investment climate through greater transparency, predictable regulations and more efficient tax policies, customs clearance and fund-transfer procedures. He called for the prompt implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing the importance of ensuring that its benefits reach the people of both countries.

Recalling the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, Tarique Rahman said Japan held a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. Japan was among the earliest countries to recognize Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and has remained a valued development partner, contributing significantly to the country’s socioeconomic progress and infrastructure development.

The prime minister also recalled his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to Japan and his mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed his commitment to taking the partnership to new heights.

Tarique Rahman proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas, accelerate the implementation of agreements and turn cooperation opportunities into concrete initiatives. He also emphasized stronger engagement between the business communities of both countries.

The two leaders discussed regional and international developments, with Tarique Rahman reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law. He thanked Japan for supporting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and expressed hope for closer cooperation with Tokyo in addressing global challenges.

Reiterating the shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the prime minister stressed the importance of regional connectivity, free trade and sustained economic growth. He also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the continuing Rohingya displacement crisis.

Calling for an end to violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned, Tarique Rahman appreciated Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s efforts to shelter Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

“A lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar,” he said, emphasizing the need for the early repatriation of displaced people in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.

Concluding the summit, Tarique Rahman expressed optimism that the discussions would open a new chapter in bilateral relations based on mutual trust, stronger investment ties, broader economic cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity. He 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.

The Bangladeshi prime minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit at Takaichi’s invitation. During the visit, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.




Tarique Rahman Seeks Japan’s Investment in Bangladesh

TOKYO — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the Japanese government and private sector to increase investment and strengthen cooperation in Bangladesh’s industrialization, economic development and technological advancement. He made the appeal during a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, where the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT), trade and investment.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh aimed to become a regional hub for manufacturing, technology and economic activity, highlighting the country’s growth potential and opportunities for Japanese businesses. He noted that Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, with its gross domestic product potentially exceeding $1 trillion by 2034.

The two leaders discussed a proposal to attract 1 trillion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately $6.3 billion, in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and ICT sectors. They also discussed sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to accelerate the implementation of the proposed investment plan.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable and affordable energy supplies, Tarique Rahman thanked Japan for its longstanding support, including a recent 50 billion yen emergency assistance loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative. He called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy.

To promote technology-driven growth, the prime minister proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young workforce, entrepreneurs and technology professionals.

The proposed facility would focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing, creating opportunities for technology transfer, innovation and skilled employment. He also expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in space science, satellite engineering and related advanced technologies.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s infrastructure ambitions, Tarique Rahman outlined plans to develop a high-speed railway network connecting the country’s six major divisional cities and a nationwide elevated-road network.

He sought Japanese technical assistance, investment and financing for the proposed projects, noting that Japan’s expertise in modern transportation and infrastructure development could support Bangladesh’s long-term economic goals.

The prime minister also welcomed fresh investment from Japanese companies and pledged to improve the business environment through greater transparency, predictable regulations, efficient tax policies, streamlined customs procedures and easier fund transfers.

He called for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), emphasizing that both countries should work together to ensure its benefits reach their respective populations. Recalling the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, Tarique Rahman said Japan held a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people.

Japan was among the earliest countries to recognize Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and has remained a major development partner, contributing to the country’s socioeconomic progress and infrastructure development.

The prime minister also recalled his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to Japan and his mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed his commitment to taking the partnership to a new level. On regional and international affairs, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law.

Tarique Rahman thanked Japan for supporting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He expressed hope for closer cooperation with Tokyo in addressing global challenges and strengthening multilateral institutions. He also emphasized a shared vision for a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, free trade and sustainable economic growth.

The prime minister expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the continuing displacement of Rohingya people. He called for an end to violence, unrestricted humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned. He also appreciated Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to shelter Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Urging Japan to remain actively engaged in efforts to restore regional peace and stability, Tarique Rahman said a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis must be found in Myanmar. He stressed the need for the early repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.

Concluding the summit, Tarique Rahman expressed optimism that the meeting would open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations through stronger investment ties, broader economic cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

He proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority sectors, accelerate the implementation of agreements and translate cooperation opportunities into concrete projects. He also emphasized stronger engagement between the business communities of both countries. The 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 the Bangladeshi prime minister at the Kantei.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit at Takaichi’s invitation. During the visit, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.