Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) wants to strengthen its cooperation further for industrial and urban improvement and inclusive development in Bangladesh.
JICA Executive Senior Vice President (ESVP) Dr Junichi Yamada during his recent visit to Bangladesh highlighted the 50th anniversary of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Bangladesh.
The JICA official exchanged his thoughts with the ministers and government officials on further strengthening JICA’s cooperation and support in Bangladesh’s development, said a press release.
The official visited Bangladesh from July 2-7 to attend the memorial ceremony organised on July 3 to commemorate the seven Japanese nationals who lost their precious lives in the Holey Artisan attack in Gulshan in Dhaka.
He also focused on strengthening relations with the government celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Bangladesh implemented by JICA.
During his visit, Dr Yamada met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Finance Minister, Planning Minister, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and a few government officials. On July 6, Dr Yamada met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed important areas of cooperation while PM praised JICA’s continued engagement in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development.
His meeting with the PM was also attended by Kiminori Iwama, Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh, Tomohide Ichiguchi, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, Sharifa Khan, secretary of Economic Relations Division, and Tofazzel Hossain Miah, principal secretary to Prime Minister.
Dr Junichi also visited various sites of JICA projects including the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power Project, Matarbari Port, Terminal 3 at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Rohingya refugee camps, and Dhaka Metro (MRT) Line 6, where JICA and Japan government have made significant contributions for country’s development.
He was particularly impressed by the significant progress of the development works supported by JICA in Bangladesh and said JICA is always committed to supporting Bangladesh in achieving its sustainable economic development.
Seven Japanese nationals have contributed to the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Development Project which is one of the prime symbols of the enduring friendly relationship
between both countries, he said, adding that they will continue to work with Bangladesh while keeping in mind the country’s legacy and commitment to safety.
Before that, Dr Yamada went to the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEA) in Araihazar of Narayanganj district, where development work is underway to attract foreign investors, particularly Japanese private companies.
JICA has been also funding infrastructure facilities at BSEZ which is expected to attract investments worth over $1 billion after completion.
Dr Yamada also visited project sites in the area of the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI). The MIDI concept entails some 20 thousand acres of planned development to form an integrated economic hub for trade, investments, and energy.
