Bangladesh and Japan signed three deals on Sunday – two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for purchasing Land Use Right of BSEZ and providing Opportunity for Education by BRAC Kumon, and a memorandum of contract (MoC) for Trade Policy Making Enhancement.
Representatives from both nations signed the deals after inaugurating a day-long summit titled “Bangladesh-Japan Economic Relations for the Next 50 Years: For the Industry Upgradation of Bangladesh,” at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.
Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi attended the event as the chief guest, while Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun were present as special guests.
ICT Division Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was also present at the programme as the guest of honour.
The first MoU was signed between Bangladesh SEZ Ltd (BSEZ) and Bangladesh IRIS Co Ltd for purchasing Land Use Right of BSEZ in Phase 2.
BSEZ was inaugurated in December 2022, and already contracted five tenants. In response to many inquiries, BSEZ will plan to develop Phase 2 area by the end of 2023.
Bangladesh IRIS Co Ltd (IRIS) has been operating since 2017, and is engaged in button manufacturing. For the expansion of business, IRIS considers purchasing land in Phase 2 of BSEZ.
The second MoU was signed between BSEZ and BRAC Kumon Ltd (BKL) for providing opportunities for education by BRAC Kumon.
BSEZ and BKL will engage in social contribution activities aimed at developing the next generation of the surrounding community by providing opportunities for education to the public primary school near BSEZ.
By donating a digital tablet-based learning programme (Kumon Connect) to public primary schools, BSEZ and BKL will contribute to expanding “Digital Bangladesh,” which is promoted by the Bangladesh government.
The third MoU was signed between JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce (MoC) for trade policymaking enhancement.
JETRO and MOC are desirous of cooperating with each other in promoting and exchanging trade information and enhancing capacity of MOC officials within JETRO and MOC. Bangladesh sought for cooperation of JETRO under the capacity building programmes of the trade policy.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nishimura said, “Bangladesh will attain high-income country status by 2041. The diplomatic and economic relationship between Japan and Bangladesh will further strengthen in the next 50 years.
“We have already celebrated 50 years of our ties. Many Japanese people are now investing in Bangladesh.”
Earlier the same day, Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi arrived in Dhaka on a two-day visit to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.
Director General of East Asia and Pacific Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Toufique Hasan received him at the airport. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori was also present.
