The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) on Saturday called upon Japan to continue its support towards developing the infrastructures and logistics of Bangladesh, facing the challenges of post-LDC graduation and thus building it as a developed nation.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam made this call in a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori held at the FBCCI office in the capital.
Terming Japan as one of the most reliable partners for the development of Bangladesh, Mahbubul said over the past 50 years, the relationship between the two countries has been strengthening gradually, said a press release.
He said Japan's contributions to various large-scale projects and infrastructure development in Bangladesh, including Metrorail, the third terminal of the airport, Meghna Bridge, and Matarbari deep sea port, are undeniable.
The FBCCI president sought Japan's cooperation in simplifying visa processing and acquiring technical skills to facilitate higher education for Bangladeshi students in Japan.
He urged the development organisations including JICA, and JETRO to come forward to provide necessary training as well as providing logistics to acquire technological skills.
Mahbubul assured that the FBCCI would extend full cooperation in this regard.
In response, the Japanese Ambassador expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for its development partnership with Japan.
"We want to increase Japanese investment in Bangladesh. Besides, we have a plan to ensure the optimum use of the Special Economic Zones of Bangladesh," he added.
The ambassador also sought FBCCI's suggestions as there are more scopes for discussions over the joint-venture projects of the two countries.
Regarding the export of manpower to Japan, Ambassador Yama Kiminori said, "We are trying to improve the relationship and communication between the two countries commercially. However, there are several barriers as the Japanese government follows international standards, especially in terms of importing manpower. In addition, language skills also play a big role in terms of employment there."
The Japanese envoy assured that he would work with the government of Bangladesh to expand its employment opportunities in Japan.
